"The Biggest Loser"
Weight
Loss Contest for Dogs and Cats
Has your dog or cat gained a little extra weight over
the winter? Now is the time to get in shape!
Enter your dog or
cat into Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital’s weight loss contest.
Contest will run
from May 1st through December 31st.
To get started
talk to a Technician or Veterinarian.
We will take
before and after pictures and place them on our bulletin board in the
front entryway. We will also have monthly weigh INS and track the
progress of your pet.
You and your pet
will get “healthy” treats at the monthly weigh INS. Prizes will be
awarded.
Incidence of pet obesity is rising
q
In the early 1970’s, as few as 9% of cats
and 3% of dogs were overweight.
q
By 1999, the percentage of overweight or
obese dogs and cats had risen to 25%
q
Today 35% of adult pets and 50% of pets
over age 7 are overweight
The causes of pet obesity are
varied.
q
Overfeeding may result from
unlimited access to food
q
Dogs spend 60-70% of their day lying down
with no physical activity
q
Neutering a pet tends to reduce its energy
needs by about 25%, making it more prone to weight gain
q
70% of owners report using food or
treats to show affection
HEALTH RISKS OF OBESITY
Condition
Symptoms
Diabetes
Weakness
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Heart Disease
Coughing, Lethargy
Difficulty Breathing
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Skin
Problems Poor hair
coat
Repeated itching
and
Scratching
Arthritis and
Joint disorders
Behavioral
changes
Limping,
Stiffnesss,
Difficulty climbing stairs
