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SigMT Spring 2018

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SiG MT 97 e Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that more than half of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Many pets become overweight or obese because of the social bonding that occurs with owners during feeding. is human-animal-bonding activity adds a strong behavioral component to the development of obesity. While we might associate a fat cat or dog with a happy one, we actually aren't doing our pets any favors when we over feed them. Dogs and cats carrying extra fat are at greater risk for developing medical problems. Here are the top 10 obesity-related conditions our fat and happy pets are suffering from. Most common dog obesity-related conditions • Osteoarthritis • Diabetes • Cystitis or urinary tract disease • Intervertebral disc disease • Hepatitis or hepatopathy • Chronic renal disease • Hypothyroidism • Congestive heart failure • Cruciate ligament • Hypertension Most common cat obesity-related conditions • Cystitis or urinary tract disease • Chronic renal disease • Asthma • Diabetes • Hepatitis or hepatopathy • Osteoarthritis • Spondylosis • Congestive heart failure • Gall bladder disorder • Hypertension How can I tell if my pet is at a healthy weight? • You can easily feel its ribs. • It has a tucked abdomen and no sagging stomach • You can see its waist from above How can I tell if my pet might be overweight? • You have difficulty feeling its ribs • It has a sagging stomach, and you can grab a handful of fat • It has a broad, flat back and no visible waist. PET HEALTH 101 Pet Obesity It's More Important an You ink! Text by Dawn Milligan Photography by Really Montana Photography Feeding "people" food to pets is a bad idea — not only can it contribute to weight gain but it can also give rise to other medical problems. Additionally, feeding table food to a pet that is already receiving a nutritionally balanced pet food changes the "balance" of that pet's diet.

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