PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Oct. 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 54% of pets in the U.S. are overweight, and when asked, 22% of obese dog owners and 15% of obese cat owners said they believed their pet was of normal weight. In honor of National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, Pet360.com urges pet parents to take responsibility for their pet's weight and stop making excuses. The following is a list of the seven most common excuses pet owners give for their overweight pets and the reasons they don't hold true.
- "But she doesn't eat that much!": Weight gain often has little to do with the quantity of food a pet eats. What matters most is the amount of calories consumed compared to the amount of calories being burned off.
- "But she's always hungry!": Many pets will accept food whenever it's presented, and others will always act hungry. This is both a learned and instinctual trait, and knowing the difference between true and instinctual hunger is crucial to a dog or cat's health.
- "I can't bear to know that she's suffering from hunger": Your pet will never starve if she is on a proper diet. The trick is to control portion sizes and avoid unhealthy treats and snacks. The side effects of obesity, however, can cause painful medical conditions in both cats and dogs.
- "He's so old, and I want him to live the rest of his life happy": Obesity can bring on premature aging, so by helping your pet lose weight you may also be helping him live a longer, healthier, happier life.
- "He refuses to walk": Walking, running, and even getting up can hurt when a cat or dog is obese. Consult with a vet to create an introductory exercise plan that will mitigate the pain a pet would otherwise experience.
- "Whenever she loses weight, I'm told she looks too thin": Let your vet be the judge. "Thin" is normal for certain breeds. During physical exams, vets test pets to determine their body condition score. If your vet tells you your cat or dog is too thin, work with him or her to create a diet plan that will better meet your pet's nutritional needs.
- "It's my family's fault": Helping your pet shed the necessary weight requires a lifestyle change. Set the family down for a meeting to explain why your pet needs to lose weight and how everyone can help.
Media Contact: Kelly Lange, 610-234-4114, klange@pet360.com
About Pet360.com
Pet360.com is a personalized community dedicated to simplifying pet parenting. We understand that every pet parent has different needs, so we personalize our members' experiences based on the type, breed, age, and size of their pets. By providing access to expert tips and advice, connections with other pet parents, and the convenience of home shopping all in one place, Pet360 is the ultimate resource for pet parents – available anytime, anywhere. Our mission is to give members the confidence they need at every stage of their pet parenting journey, so they can spend more time loving their pets and less time worrying. For more information, visit www.Pet360.com
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