Is Your Dog FAT??

Is your dog FAT??
Information Furnished by Pfizer Aniimal Health

Your dog is not just a pet, but a member of the family who greets you at the door every night and adores you like no one else.

But just like people, dogs can get out of shape. Before you know it, your dog is huffing and puffing to climb the stairs and is having trouble running and playing. Even worse, the extra weight may put your dog at risk for some serious health problems.

Your dog's health is in your hands. It will take work and commitment by you and other family members to help your dog lose weight but it will be well worth it. You'll see the difference and your dog will enjoy a better quality of life.

A dog is overweight if it is 5% to 19% above its ideal weight. An OBESE dog is 20% or more above its ideal weight. We can help you determine what is a healthy weight for your dog.

Obesity is a growing problem. it is estimated that about 17 million dogs are obese. An extra 7 pounds on a dog that normally weighs 35 pounds is a very big deal. it's similar to an extra 30 pounds on a person who should weigh 150 pounds.

There are 2 main causes - too much food and too little exercise. Other factors can also play a role. Some breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Beagles and Cocker Spaniels are more likely to gain weight. The same is true for neutered dogs, middle-aged dogs, and female dogs.

Sometimes it's hard to know if your dog is carrying too many pounds. But there are some simple ways to check your dog for obesity. First is the "rib test". Gently place your hands on your dog's rib cage. Do the ribs seem to be covered by a lot of flesh? Is it hard to even feel the ribs? If so, your dog may be obese or overweight.

And you can look for other things such as:

Fat on the lower back and base of the tail
No "waist" (or only a slight one) when viewed from above
A thickened trunk near the hind legs

And watch how your dog acts:

Is your dog playing less and getting tired more?
Having a hard time climbing onto the couch or going upstairs?
Seems stiff when walking and pants more than usual?

There are several things we can do to help your dog lose weight. It will take time and commitment and a little "tough love" but you can get your dog back in shape again.

Cut back on feeding by giving less at mealtime and fewer "treats" between meals.
Encourage more exercise of at least 30 minutes of outdoor exercise or play time.
Talk to us about a program to help you help your dog

NEW!!! The government approved the first drug for obese canines. Called Slentrol, the Pfizer Inc. drug is aimed at helping fat Fidos shed extra pounds.

The liquid drug appears to reduce the amount of fat a dog can absorb. It also seems to trigger a feeling of satiety or fullness, according to the FDA.

And it's not for dog owners. The FDA discourages the drug's use in humans and lists a litany of side effects should anyone ignore that advice. Nor is Slentrol, also called dirlotapide, for use in cats.

Like all diet drugs, Slentrol is meant to be part of an overall weight management program that includes a complete and balanced diet and exercise, according to its label. Slentrol is not a cure for obesity; its effects cease within a day or two of stopping treatment.

For additional information or feel you need to have your pet examined, give us a call!.

Cherokee Animal Clinic
P O Box 416
(Hwy. 84 East)
Rusk, TX 75785

For Appointment or Emergencies
Call 903-683-5315