(NAPS)—Dieters know a tip for successful weight loss is pairing up with a friend for motivation. But you might not have considered that friend to be of the fourfooted variety. Keep in mind, weight loss and fitness are not only important to our good health, but to our pets’ as well. Sure, dogs and cats don’t fret over their figures, but as owners, we should be concerned with the harm obesity poses to our canine and feline companions. “Pet obesity is widespread; in fact, studies indicate that nearly 40 percent of dogs and 25 percent of cats are overweight,” said Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian and Director of Technical Communications for The Iams Company. “Increased risk of joint pain, dia- betes, and heart and liver problems can be a very real conse- quence for overweightpets.” But there is good news. Pet owners can help their pets maintain, or achieve, their ideal weights. Timefor a Diet? With these simple steps, own- ers can determineif their pet is overweight: ian or provided on the pet food package. Keep in mind that feed- ing amounts required by a weight loss diet may be smaller than normalportions. 5. Avoid Repeat Feedings— Decide who will feed the dog or cat, consulting all family mem- bers. That way, no one accidentally feeds extra meals. 6. Stay Consistent—Make sure all meals are provided in the pet’s own bowl. This discourages begging and also helps maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Also, try feeding pets at least two smaller meals daily instead of e Feel your pet’s sides: You one. This meansdividing the daily food recommendation by two. e Stand behind your pet and food often contains bonesthat can get caught in an animal’s throat should be able to feel, but not see, his or herribs. look down—you should see an hourglass shape. If your pet does not exhibit this shape, it may be timefor a diet. Kneel down andlook at your pet’s belly from the side: It should be tucked upslightly from his rib cage to his rear end, notflat or hanging down. e If it appears the pet may need to shed a few pounds, take him or her to the veterinarian for a check-up. The veterinarian can assess the pet’s health and, if there is a weight problem, recom- menda healthy weight-loss diet. To help makethis job of pet weight loss a bit easier, Carey offers the followingtips: 1. Seek Veterinary Care— Before putting your pet on a diet, check with your veterinarian. A check-up can make sure your pet is in good health and,if there is a weight problem, your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate low-fat diet. 2. Exercise Daily—Pets should have 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily to eliminate extra 7. No Table Scraps—Human or can splinter and puncture the digestive tract. Also, table scraps can be high in fat and are not well-balanced for the overweight pet’s specific nutritional needs. 8. Substitute Play for Food —When a pet seeks attention, play with him instead of turning to edible treats. For your over- weight pet, praise and play can be healthy alternatives. 9. Select a Low-fat Premium Food—Whenswitching to a low- fat food, it’s important to change the food gradually. Provide your pet’s daily food portion as 75 per- cent of the old food and 25 percent of the new formula on thefirst day. For day two, try a 50/50 ratio. Proceed to a 25/75 split. Then go to 100 percent of the new low-fat formula after the four-day transition process. 10. Maintain a Normal Fiber Level—Fiberis an important part of a balanced weight-loss diet; the proper amount andtypeof fiber can help ensure a healthy intesti- nal tract for dogs and cats. Keep ers mayfind it hard to get to the in mind that Iams Active Formulas are complete and balanced for your dog or cat’s maintenance, why not consider the buddy sys- a weight-loss diet maybe smaller than normalportions. calories and sustain muscle tone. With a hectic schedule, busy own- gym themselves, let alone add an extra routine for their pet. So, tem and combine your exercise routine with yourpet’s? 3. Make it Fun—Walking, chasing a ball, and jogging are good for dogs, while cats can tone up by chasing objects in the house or even walking on a leash with you duringa daily stroll. 4. Portion Control—Owners should follow the feeding amount recommendedby their veterinar- and feeding amounts required by For More Information For more than 50 years, The Iams Company has enhanced the health and well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods. To learn more about pet weight loss and weight maintenance, call Iams Pet Profession- als at 1-800-863-4267. You can also visit Iams on the Web at www.lams.com.
