Trick-or-Treat, hayrides and pumpkin carving are all things we can look forward to in October. However, October has been deemed National Pet Wellness Month by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health of Overland Park, Kansas. These two entities created this effort to promote proper veterinary care for their pets along with semi-annual veterinary visits. Vets across the US have created the goal to help pet parents remember the importance of regular wellness exams, preventative care, safety and appropriate diet and exercise to make sure our furry friends can live a long and healthy life.

As a pet parent, it’s important to keep in mind that pets age WAY faster than humans - about 7 times faster than humans to be exact. That means by the time your pet hits 2 years old, they are already considered middle-aged and most dogs are thought of as seniors by 7 years old! While our pets cannot express to us that they are not feeling well, we can do our part by taking them to the vet to be checked up TWICE A YEAR. That’s right folks, veterinarians across the US are encouraging owners to do not one, but two vet visits in a year because 6 months in pet years can bring on a whole new slew of health problems that may have not been noticed 6 months ago with pets undergoing a fast aging process. 

So schedule that annual wellness exam with your veterinarian! The best way to keep your pets free from illness (or to catch it early enough) is to make routine wellness appointments for them. These appointments can help keep your pet on the right track for their health, vaccinations and preventative care for any potentially threatening health issues. 

And don’t skip out on dental care! Dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Without regular dental checkups, your pet could be at risk for periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss and internal organ damage if left untreated. 

But general hygiene goes a long way in keeping your pet out of medical trouble. Along with dental care, be conscious about grooming for your pet. Brush fur regularly, don’t over bathe your pet to avoid dry skin but keep the baths regular (if your furry companion doesn’t mind them) and keep their nails trimmed and neat. 

And don’t forget, health isn’t just physical! You can mentally keep your pet stimulated and healthy by switching out toys, teaching them new tricks, spending quality time together and introducing them to other humans and animals! 

Want what’s best for your furry friends? Keep incorporating exercise into their days! Dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise each day - walking, playing, chasing or just chasing bubbles in the backyard are great ways to help your dog reach their 30 minute goal to keep them healthy. Our fluffy felines need play that engages their predatory instincts, so keep it to short bursts for you cats to help them continually get their exercise time they need. If you feel like you’re falling short with exercise, now is a great time to contact Going Mutts Pet Services to get your dog that midday walk or some playtime for your cat! 

Obesity is a nutritional disease defined by an excess of body fat and is one of the fastest growing health problems facing pets today. About 59% of cats and 53% of dogs in the US are obese. Obesity is one of the fastest growing health problems facing pets today. Several studies suggest that pet obesity could be linked to human obesity; if an owner overeats, they are likely to provide the same level of food to their pet.

Let’s look at cats: fat cats have become a norm in most households. Pet owners seem to have a more laid back approach to cat health than they do for dogs. Cats can be sneaky with hiding symptoms or signs of discomfort from their humans while their humans will rarely take their cats in for a yearly exam, which means missing the opportunity for a vet to give information about their cat’s worsening obesity or any other disease. Getting your cat to the vet can be a hassle and something pet owners dread, but it can help keep your furry feline on a healthy and better path towards proper weight!

Looking at the canines: they are 33% higher than the national average for human obesity. The most common causes of obesity in dogs is an improper diet or insufficient amount of exercise! 95 % of dog owners do not realize that their plump dogs need to drop a few pounds; the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention calls this the “fat pet gap,” in which a chubby dog is considered normal. 

How do I know if my pet is overweight or obese?

First things first, you should be able to feel - and count - your dog or cat's ribs easily when you lightly run your fingers across their side. Second, when you look down at your pet from above you should be able to see an hourglass figure. If your pet looks like a blimp from above, they’re probably overweight. Lastly, if you look at your pet from the side, you should see a slight tuck or upward slope of the tummy. If their abdomen hands low and drags near the ground, your pet is overweight or obese. 

But what’s the big deal with a couple extra pounds?

While a little bit of extra weight may not be cause for concern, we must remember that pets are different when it comes to humans with pounds. For example, a 12 pound Yorkie (this breed should weigh between 4-7 pounds) is equivalent to an average female weighing 218 pounds; a 14 pound cat (average cat weight is around 10 pounds) is equivalent to the average man weighing 237 pounds. This ‘extra weight’ on your pet can worsen obesity and put excess strain on your pet’s heart and joints. Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which plays a huge role in the development of health issues including osteoarthritis. So that extra weight your feline friend or Fido is carrying around on them can have a negative impact on the comfort and quality of their life. 

So, how can I keep my pet within a healthy weight range?

So during this month of awareness, let’s really look at our furry friends and make sure we, as pet owners, are doing as much as we can to let them have a long and healthy life. Don’t let obesity become the norm in your household. But if you find you are having trouble keeping a regular exercise routine for Fido, have no fear! Going Mutts Pet Services, LLC is here to help you and Fido get that playtime that is much needed to stay healthy and active! Going Mutts can consistently give your pup the 30 minute walk they need everyday along with playtime and potty breaks while you’re away. Contact us TODAY to set up a free Meet ‘n Greet!

Sources:

https://sunsetanytime.com/national-pet-wellness-month/

https://cattime.com/cat-facts/health/12051-awesome-cat-health-tips-for-national-pet-wellness-month

https://nationaltoday.com/national-pet-obesity-day/

https://grandvalleyvet.com/the-fat-facts-about-pet-obesity/

https://www.petcoach.co/article/8-pet-obesity-facts-you-should-know/

https://www.centreanimalhospital.com/articles/pet-obesity.html

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-pet-obesity

https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/pet-overweight-what-to-do