When people bring their companions in to see us for annual exams, the most common problems we see are obesity and dental disease.  Notably, these are 2 problems that we, the client and the veterinarian, can actually influence.  Today, I will focus on the weight problems, what happens to pets because of obesity and some of the tools we have at our disposal to help manage weight.

First, we need to understand what a healthy body condition score is.  Purina has excellent charts that you may want to download and print off.  For dogs, go to http://www.purina.com/dogs/health/bodycondition.aspx and for cats go to http://www.purina.com/cats/health/bodycondition.aspx.  A dog/cat in good body condition should have a visible waist from the side-view and from the top looking down.  You should be able to feel the ribs somewhat.

The magnitude of the obesity epidemic is huge.  About 50% of the cats and dogs that we see are either overweight or obese.  That is a staggering number.  Overweight pets live on average 15% LESS than their leaner counterparts.  For a Labrador Retriever, that amounts to about 2 full years!  For a Toy Poodle, that’s more like 3 years.  Overweight pets also develop health problems at an earlier age (by about 2 years).  And we’re talking about preventable problems…with weight management ALONE. (Of course, there are a few health problems that contribute to weight issues, but they are they exception rather than the rule in overweight pets.)

Overweight pets are more prone to almost all diseases.  We see the obvious things like diabetes and  joint pain.  But that’s the tip of the iceberg.  We also see more skin disease, ear problems, liver, kidney and heart problems.  We see an increase in breathing problems for a variety of reasons, all linked to weight.  There is now even a correlation between being overweight and an increased risk of cancer.  You may wonder why this is.  In a nut shell, fat is actually a lot like an endocrine organ (like the thyroid for example) and it’s now known to produce more than 50 different compounds.  The more fat, the more of these compounds are produced.  Some of these compounds are pro-inflammatory (they enhance inflammation).  So, for example, the poor dog that’s overweight that has arthritis gets it from 2 sides.  Not only is the dog carrying around an extra unnecessary load of weight in the form of fat, but that fat is actually making the inflammation in the joints WORSE.  Yikes!  There are also compounds known to be pro-cancerous (so they increase the rate of genetic mutations that cause cancer).  I’m not an endocrinologist, but I’m sure you get the idea:  too much fat is not good.

So, what to do with those heavy pets?  First, we need to make sure that they do not have any hormonal reasons for being overweight, such as a thyroid problem.  Blood tests can sort that out.  Then, we need to make sure that the pet is getting the right food to loose weight.  Sometimes, it can be as simple as reducing the amount of food fed, but often, we need to change to a diet that’s designed for weight loss.  Weight loss diets have a different ratio of nutrients-to-calories and the better diets often have a higher level of protein to help maintain muscle mass and improve metabolism.  Of course, exercise plays a very significant role.  We also moderate treat consumption, but we don’t eliminate them completely.  Getting the weight off isn’t always easy, but its vital for a long and healthy life.  If your pet is overweight; PLEASE give us a call so we can help you get your pet healthy and keep him/her that way for a LONG time.

On July 12th, from 9-3 we’re hosting a yard sale to benefit the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS).

We have 20 table available for clients, non-clients and team members to sell their slightly used stuff.  We’re suggesting that people donate 50% of the monies they raise to the outstanding shelter to help dogs, cats and other pets in need.  If you’d like to participate, please give us a call to reserve a table.  This is a rain or shine event.  (Please don’t bring any pets to the sale as we worry about the busy parking lot and even busier highway right by.)  We look forward to seeing you all their, either to sell your wares or to find a treasure.

Prevalence of Worms Transmitted to Humans by Dogs and Cats

Worms and people: it’s not something we like to think about at the same time. Astonishingly, about 14 percent of the U.S. population is infected with Roundworms from either dogs or cats according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  We’re talking about PEOPLE here, not pets!  There is no reason to think that the situation is any different here in beautiful British Columbia.

The largest age group is the ‘under 20’s.’  Children are more commonly affected because they play in contaminated soil and may not be as diligent about washing their hands as adults.   Infections occur after the ingestion of Roundworm eggs found in environments contaminated with the feces of infected dogs and cats.  Roundworm larvae can cause permanent blindness by encysting in the eye.  The larvae may also cause liver and kidney damage in humans.  This is not to be taken lightly.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians and animal health care providers established to create guidelines for control of parasites that may infect people.  The CAPC recommends year-round preventive medicines that control parasites (both internal and external) for dogs and cats, irrespective of where they live.  By controlling the infection in animals, we will reduce the rate of infection and disease in humans.

Parasite control is safe, effective and easy.  Most of the medications we have are either chewable tablets or a liquid that is emptied onto the skin on the back.  It’s really that simple.  If you have concerns about parasites in (or on) your pet, please give us a shout to discuss what is the most appropriate route of action for you.