We are happier and healthier when we have pets. According to research pets have been shown to lower blood pressure and stress, improve movement, and help us make new friends of both canine and human varieties
Do we extend the same courtesy to them? Or are we harming our dogs by giving them too much food and not enough exercise? Do you know whether your dog is at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese?
All of these are valid points to consider on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, which is marked on the second Wednesday of October. The annual pet health awareness day serves as a reminder that obesity is a serious problem for both our dogs and ourselves. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about what constitutes a healthy weight for our canine companions and how to assist them in maintaining — or regaining — an appropriate weight and body condition score (BCS).
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is also a day on which participating veterinarian clinics around the country collect basic information about the weight and bodily condition of every dog and cat over the age of one year who is given a standard physical exam. The purpose is to collect data that will assist veterinary healthcare practitioners in better understanding the situation of pet obesity in the United States. While it may not be a particularly enjoyable “holiday” (those days are approaching!), there are some entertaining as well as serious activities you and your dog may participate in to commemorate the occasion.
Determine Whether Or Not Your Pet Requires Assistance
There are various techniques to determine whether or not your pet needs a restricted diet. One of the simplest is to use the APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) resources, which include simple at-home body condition exams. We may not even notice when our pets get overweight, so it’s critical to understand when it becomes a medical issue.
Participate In The Survey
Every year on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, APOP organizes a poll to collect data from across the country. This data is then utilized to provide a snapshot of the situation of pet obesity and aid in the development of a plan to combat it. By participating in the survey, you are helping address this difficult issue.
