Ask a Vet: A Pet's New Year's Resolution

My pet needs to lose weight. I only feed him what's recommended on the back of the bag and it's a diet food. But he hasn't lost any weight yet. What do you suggest?

Sounds like you've gotten off to a good start. If you just started your pet's diet after the new year, it may take another week or two to see results. I usually recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks before your pet's first post-diet weight check. Checking sooner can leave you disappointed or discouraged. ou do want your pet to lose the weight gradually. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous, particularly for cats.
Commercially available "weight control" and "less active" foods are a good option if your pet is mildly overweight. The amount listed on the back of the bag is the total amount of food your pet should eat in an entire day. You want to feed your pet the amount that is recommended for your pet's ideal weight, not how much he weighs now. Each animal is different and if your pet's metabolism is slower than average, he may need even less food than what's listed on the back of the food bag. If your pet is more than mildly overweight, he may benefit from a prescription weight loss diet. A prescription medication that works similar to an appetite suppressant is also available for dogs who need additional help curbing their appetite.

It's important to keep your pet's total calorie intake in mind. We often forget to consider the additional calories present in treats and table scraps when we're making a weight loss plan for our pets. They are often a culprit when extra pounds are present. Anything that your pet receives in addition to his regular food, no matter how small it seems to us, adds calories and in turn, pounds. If you decide to keep treats and table scraps on your pet's diet menu, limit them and decrease the amount of regular food you feed to compensate for these added calories.

Because of Illinois winter weather, this can be a difficult time to implement a consistent exercise plan for your pet. As much as you can, encourage exercise for your pet. Every little bit can help. Take walks with your dog or visit a dog park on nice days. Play hide-and-seek with your cat or introduce some new toys that stimulate your cat's hunting instincts. If you plan on running with your dog or beginning another type of vigorous exercise plan, consult with your veterinarian first. If you can increase your pet's exercise, he'll lose the weight faster than with diet alone and be happier while he's losing it.

If you have a question you'd like answered in this blog, please feel free to e-mail me at dr.amy@woodridgeanimalhospital.com

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Ask A Vet: I Got A Puppy For Christmas, Now What? - Woodridge, IL Patch

My family got me a puppy for Christmas. She kept me up all night crying and barking. Now today, she’s been having a ton of accidents in the house. What do I do now? Help!

Oh goodness! What a challenging Christmas surprise! Don’t worry, it’ll get better!

Most puppies cry at night because they feel alone, particularly the first few days they’re away from their littermates and mother. You and your family are now your puppy’s pack members and she wants to be with you.

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ASPCA | Resolve to quit smoking this year for your pets’ sake

You would not let your pet smoke!! Great Way to Quit Smoking



ASPCA Resolve to quit smoking this year for your pets’ sake

ASPCA | Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

  Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry  companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

Put the Meds Away   Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too. 

Careful with Cocktails If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure. 

Click here for Pet Holiday Safety Tips from the ASPCA

Why Does My Dog... Stare at Me? – Vetstreet

Dogs can—and do—stare at their owners for plenty of non-food issues.  Indeed, anything a dog might want that a human can provide could be the source of the staring behavior, from a fun game of fetch to a ride in the car or a long run.

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Why Does My Dog... Sleep Belly Up? – Vetstreet

 

There are no solid stats to reflect the incidence of dogs willing to sleep belly up, but an informal survey of the dog owners you know will probably reveal something like this: 5 to 10 percent of pet dogs sleep with their bellies bared on a fairly regular basis.

Click here to get the rest of the story by Dr. Patty Khuly

Winterizing Your 4-Legged Family Members - Darien, IL Patch

Courtesy of Sharon at 4 Legs and a Leash

Winter is around the corner and you will find your pet needs a little extra care from you. It’s best to be prepared for your four-legged loved ones. Pets need transition time just like us.

 Click here for all of Sharon's Advice