Pets-A-Loud

13 Sep 2013

On the scales

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October 9 is National Pet Obesity Day in the United States where a staggering 52.5% that is 36.7 million dogs are overweight or obese and 58.3% that is 43.2 million cats in the US are overweight or obese.

Obesity in pets is a serious and is also a growing issue here in Australia. According to the Australian Veterinary Association, studies in recent years have found the prevalence of overweight pets in Australia is alarmingly high.

A survey conducted in 2000 also raised the importance of educating pet owners on weight issues in pets and the introduction of a standard for measuring body condition in companion animals.

On Pets-A-Loud today, we get out the measuring tape and gauge our understanding on pet obesity.

Also coming up on Pets-A-Loud today,

We define pet obesity and look at how you can gauge whether your pet needs to shed some kilograms,
We explore the health and behaviour implications of your pet being overweight,
We catch up with Vet Nurse Jeannie from The Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic about Slimmer’s Club – a free and new weight watchers program for pets offered by the clinic,

And, at the tail end of the program, we’ll have our Q&A and Dog Dates segments.

Useful links mentioned on the program:

The Lost Dogs’ Home Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic – www.dogshome.com/vet-clinic
Personal training with your dog – www.dogshome.com/shaping-up/
National Pet Register Events – www.petregister.com.au/events