(ARA) - A researcher at the University of Hertfordshire, England, has proven that pets and their owners often look, think and act alike. Unfortunately, that's not always a good thing; pets and humans can have similar weight problems.
It's estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of dogs and cats and 31 percent of people in this country are overweight. The problem is even worse for pet horses; a recent study at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and Virginia Tech found roughly half were overweight.
What's the solution? Add your pets to your own weight-loss resolutions for 2008. Having a companion will help you lose weight and improve your pet's health. Studies have shown that people who exercise with friends are far more likely to keep up a workout regimen and that people diet more effectively with friends. Exercising with a four-legged friend results in a healthier pet owner, and can even help a human recover from surgery more quickly.
"What many of us assumed was true for decades has now been proven -- taking a dog for a walk is healthy for both the dog and the dog's owner," says Dr. Roger K. Mahr, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), who has spoken out on the important linkages between animal and human health. "Many pet owners are probably more concerned about exercising their pets than they are about getting some exercise for their own health, but both will live a healthier life as a result. Pets don't just improve your quality of life; they also improve your health."
Just like humans, overweight dogs and cats are more likely to get a number of diseases and health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, skin conditions, liver disease, and joint problems. So putting yourself, Fido, Fluffy, and/or Flicka on a diet and exercise regiment will result in a better new year for everyone.
Here are some AVMA pet weight-loss tips:
* A visit to your veterinarian is the best way to determine if your pet is overweight, but there are a couple common sense guidelines. A dog should have a discernible waist without fat deposits, and ribs should be easy to feel while stroking a dog. In cats, if there is any rounding of the abdomen or bulging in the back, limbs, neck or face, you've got a fat cat.
* Carefully measure the food you give your pets and feed them at least twice a day. If the pet hasn't finished their food in about 20 minutes, take the bowl away to discourage overeating. Dogs and cats fed once a day, or continuously, tend to be the fattest.
* Monitor the number and size of the treats you give in praise. A large dog treat can be over 100 calories, while a small treat has as little as 10 calories. If you can't help but treat your beloved pet, break them in half to cut the calories.
* Diet pet foods are available but must meet certain standards to qualify for that designation. For instance, "low-calorie" dog food must be no more than 310 calories per cup for dry food or 90 calories per 1/2 cup wet, and "low-fat" or "lean" must be no more than 9 percent fat in dry food and 4 percent fat wet.
* High-fiber pet foods can help a pet's diet by making your best friend feel full with fewer calories. No-salt, canned string beans can be added to either dry or wet food to provide bulk and fiber with very few calories.
* The more exercise the better … research has shown that dogs are 10 percent less likely to be obese for each hour of exercise they got every day.
* To exercise a cat, engage them with a feather, string or laser pointer, and try to get them running after a toy as they swat at it. To exercise a dog, consider agility training, play time with other dogs, and chasing a ball or Frisbee. There is no better exercise for dogs, horses and humans than a brisk walk.
* Hypothyroidism is a common cause of obesity in humans, dogs and cats, but it's much easier to diagnose in humans. If your dog or cat is obese without a clear cause, make a veterinary appointment.
* Finally, if your pet is a little on the pudgy side, and you think it might benefit from an increased exercise regiment, see a veterinarian first. No exercise program should begin without a veterinary checkup. If your pet is more than 20 percent overweight, consult your veterinarian immediately.
For more information on pet health, please visit www.avma.org.
Courtesy ARAcontent
