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Pet Obesity - A Serious Issue
by Patricia Ellison
Pet obesity and human obesity are both serious problems and need to be dealt with. We hear a lot about human obesity but little about our four legged friends. The same problems that relate to human obesity also affect pet obesity.
If your pet is overweight you should be very concerned. The sad fact is that almost a quarter of our pets are actually overweight. So why is this happening? Some think it correlates with the electronic age and the lack of time we all have for our pets.
We tend to take a lot of shortcuts these days. Remote controls, microwaves, dishwashers and computers, all are meant to make our lives easier. These things meant to make our lives easier, leaving us more time for things like walking the dog often do not, unfortunately.
Sure, our tasks can be completed quickly, but even then people are finding other things to fill their time with. People spend hours on the Internet or in front of the TV screen instead of getting outside and walking the dog.
It is a sad shame that people can’t find pleasure in the simple things anymore. Our pets are suffering, which is probably a direct cause of our own sedentary lifestyles and the growing obesity problems associated with it. People are even moving into more urban areas with less room for dogs to run around.
Another reason that pets are overweight is over-processed pet foods. Many pet owners also feed their dogs unhealthy scraps thinking it will not hurt. We have complete control over our pets’ diet, since they rely entirely on us as to what they eat and when.
A Call to Action
You must take action if your pet is overweight. If obesity is left unchecked your dog may develop other more serious and costly complications; or worse yet will die at an early age.
Some diseases associated with obesity are:
· Diabetes
· Arthritis
· Heart Complications
· Endocrinal Diseases
· Bad Joints
The Toy Breeds such as the Chihuahua are the ones most susceptible to obesity, because of their size we tend to baby them more. You’ve heard the expression “Pocket Chihuahua”; while many are small enough to carry around in your pocket or purse they need exercise as well.
As the Toy breeds are generally always underfoot, or in our laps, we tend to give them more treats and scraps than the larger outdoor breeds. After all if you’re treating yourself how can you deny them part of it, right?
Wrong! If you suspect your dog is overweight take him to a vet’s office. They can set you up with an exercise plan and diet. You might find you’ve contributed to your dog’s weight problem by doing some things wrong. The exercise plan may very well benefit the whole family as well.
No matter how busy your schedules make sure you’re not too busy to spend time with your pet. Your dog will be a lot happier and healthier if you feed him the right things and take the time to do some healthy exercise.
source: http://www.articlecity.com/
Desert Pet Risks...
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) Valley Fever (VF) is caused by a fungus found in the soil in the United States desert southwest region. Pets (even indoor pets) acquire VF by inhaling the spores (digging, dust storms, nearby construction, or just snuffling the ground). The early, Pulmonary, stage of VF causes a cough, intermittent fever, and poor appetite. In the later, Disseminated, stage, the infection spreads to other areas of the body such as the bones, joints, skin, brain, liver and kidneys. There may be lameness or swelling of the joints, weight loss, skin nodules, pain, chronic cough or seizures, blood tests, x-rays or other lab tests are used to diagnose VF. Treatment should begin immediately to give your pet the best chance of recovery. As yet, there is no prevention for VF other than limiting your pet’s exposure to dust and keeping him as healthy as possible so he has the best chance of fighting the disease.
Rattlesnake Bite Each year, hundreds of dogs and cats living in the Tucson area are bitten by rattlesnakes. Most victims that are treated at a veterinary hospital survive the bite, but some suffer permanent tissue damage and even die. Protect your pet, Keep your pet on a leash and stay on the paths when walking in the desert Keep your yard clean of debris under which snakes can hide. Slowly walk away from any snake you see or hear Rattlesnake vaccine for dogs, available here at Buckeye Vet, can reduce the severity of damage done by the rattlesnake venom while you get your dog to the veterinarian. Your dog’s first rattlesnake vaccine needs to be boosted 4 weeks later, then should be given annually. We recommend vaccinating around April, just before rattlesnakes become active after their long winter slumber—when venom sacs are fullest, making bites even more serious! Contact us to get your dog Rattlesnake vaccinated!
Treatment:There are no First Aid treatments for Rattlesnake Bite. Call us or your nearest veterinary hospital to be sure there is a Doctor and antivenin available. Keep your pet quiet. Go to the vet immediately. Every hour you delay puts your pet’s life in jeopardy and increases the damage being done!
Other Poisonous Animals of the Desert Gila Monsters will bite pets in self defense. They have a tenacious bite, grinding their jaws together while secreting venom into the wound. The venom, crushing action, and infection cause significant tissue damage at the site of the wound. Centipedes and Scorpions will sting when disturbed, but usual cause only variably painful swelling, redness and perhaps minor tissue damage at the site. Bees, Wasps and Ants can deliver not only a painful sting, but can cause allergic reactions such as swelling of muzzle/ face/ ears or welts over the whole body. If your pet develops allergic signs, he should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Heat/ Dehydration Our dry desert heat can cause heat exhaustion and dehydration in our pets. Be sure to take water for your pet when you travel and hike. Outside pets must have shade throughout the day—remember, what was shady in the morning may not be in the afternoon! Ensure that outdoor pets have cool, clean water, in a stable container that can’t be tipped over. Consider installing a misting system for outdoor pets. Brachycephalic, or short-nosed, breeds are especially prone to heat exhaustion. Don’t leave these dogs outside for more than a few minutes during the hottest part of the year!
And, Never, Ever, leave a pet in the car, during any part of the year! It’s dangerous to the pet and against the law!
Colorado River ToadsThese toads come out of their deep underground burrows during the summer rains and monsoon season. You can hear their characteristic barking croaks at night. They have easy to see uniformly arranged small red bumps on their backs. These are the poison glands. If your pet licks or “mouths” a toad, the toxin from the skin glands will cause heavy, slimy salivation. Most pets will paw at their faces. If not treated immediately, the toxin can cause seizures, hyperthermia and death. Call us right away for immediate first aid advice!
