• "A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue" -Author Unknown
  • "Every boy should have two things: a dog and a mother willing to let him have one." - Anonymous
  • "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." - Gene Hill
  • A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. - Elbert Hubbard
  • "A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away." -Bil Keane
  • "A meow massages the heart." - Stuart McMillan
  • "There is more to life than increasing speed." -Mahatma Ghandi
  • "Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it." - J. Petit Senn
  • "If your horse says no, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong." - Pat Parelli
  • "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill
  • "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." -Roger Caras
  • "No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." - Winston Churchill
  • "Agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." - George Eliot
  • "To err is human - to forgive, canine."
  • "Money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail." -Kinky Friedman
  • "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France
  • "I hope to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am." - Unknown
  • "Horses - if God made anything more beautiful, he kept it for himself." - Author unknown
  • "Are we really sure the purring is coming from the kitty and not from our very own hearts?" - Terri Guillemets
  • "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Ben Williams
Pets who maintain a normal weight
will (on average)
live TWO YEARS longer
than overweight pets...

NOW is the time
to add those years
to your pet's life!!!
Overweight Pets

             Obesity related health problems for people in the U.S. are estimated to be in excess of $70 billion dollars every year. Unfortunately, our pets offer a reflection of our present society, both in life style and in physique. Obesity in our animal companions is defined as an excess of 15-20% body weight above ideal weight for an individual. Over 25% of dogs and cats are now considered obese, and the number is rapidly rising!

            Obesity is the #1 health risk for pets!! As with people, overweight pets have a much higher incidence of health related problems. Overweight pets are much more prone to arthritic joint degeneration, disc disease, heart disease, diabetes, and Cushing's disease.

 Is my Pet Overweight?

            One major difference exists between people and pets when it comes to being overweight: pets are not responsible for their eating habits and lifestyle ... we are! In order to make any progress toward reducing a pet's 'excessive baggage', the first and often most difficult step is being aware of and admitting that there is a weight problem. If you are unsure of your pet's ideal weight and body condition, consult your veterinarian. Different breeds can vary considerably, and even individuals within each breed vary in their ideal weight.

 Behavior Modification

            The second major step in pet weight reduction is behavior modification (of the humans). This requires all family members (and even the neighbors that may offer treats, etc.) to be aware of the problem. There must be a commitment to the feeding schedule, quantity of food intake, and the type and amount of treats offered.

Food Choices

            Now that everyone is aware of and committed to their pet's weight loss program, it is not just a matter of decreasing food intake. Most pet foods are balanced nutritionally in relation to energy intake (what we want to reduce). If energy intake is reduced by decreasing food consumption, essential vitamins & minerals may become deficient.

            All pet foods and pet treats are not created equal. Fiber level, energy density, fat content, protein source and label directions vary considerably. The container may tell you to feed six cups of the food per day, but that may be three times the calories that your pet needs based on his breed and exercise level. Also, most pet foods are high in fat content (that's what makes them taste good). Fats are a major source of extra calories. Treats and table scraps are also very high in calories. 

 Exercise is Important

            Lack of adequate exercise is also a big contributing factor to overweight pets. Adequate daily physical exercise for your pet cannot be overlooked.

shutterstock_2518586 A Weight Loss Program

            Your pet should have a complete physical exam and blood work prior to a weight reduction program to rule out any predisposing medical conditions.  We can evaluate your animal's current nutrition and body condition and guide you through an appropriate weight loss program for your pet. Proper nutrition needs to be maintained and weight loss should not exceed more than 1% of body weight weekly.         

            An appropriate weight reduction program requires an initial evaluation, frequent monitoring, and maintenance guidelines in order to be safe and effective. Many options are available to keep your pet from feeling 'starved': less energy dense foods, low calorie treats, multiple feedings, etc. Remember that proper weight is a very important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy for years to come.