Pet Health: Porky & Buddy Discuss ‘Plump’ Pets

by Contributor | November 14, 2007 7:51 am

Dear Porky & Buddy,

Help, Stanley, my beagle mix and Minerva, his Siamese constant companion are both eight years old and have grown up together. Now it looks like they are also growing out together, if you know what I mean. We are talking really chubby. What can I do?

Julie

Dear Julie,

Like their human counterparts, many older animals gain too much weight. Obesity is due to reduced activity, overfeeding, and a lower metabolic rate. The additional weight stresses the heart and can exacerbate arthritis, resulting in an animal that is even less likely to exercise.

How do you help a fat cat or plump pooch? Just like for humans, there is no magic cure-just good old diet and exercise. Foods that can be found at both grocery stores and specialty shops are formulated with the senior companion in mind. Prescription diets are available for cats and dogs with heart, liver and kidney problems. You should consult with your vet about what food is best for both Stanley and Minerva and how much to be feeding.

Moderate play can also keep muscles toned, blood circulating, and, perhaps most important of all, the digestive system moving. In other words, play can prevent constipation – a very serious problem, particularly in older cats. And play will be good for you too-especially with the holidays coming and all those cookies!

And speaking of cookies don’t forget to come to the OCHS Home 4 the Holidays Adoption Day, Fleas Market, Gigantic Book Sale and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 17th from 11 to 3 at the DA Lodge, 178 West Third Street, Oswego. You can find and adopt the new love of your life, a good book to snuggle up with on the couch with your new love, some treats to munch on while you snuggle, and maybe some gently used Holiday decorations to admire together.

You can bring your pet for a photo with Santa, meet some of the other animal organizations in the County and buy holiday gifts from local crafts people. A great way to get ready for the holidays.

The Oswego County Humane Society has moved to its new administrative offices (and the site of the new spay/neuter clinic) at 265 West First Street in Oswego. We are in the basement of the YMCA/Armory. You can reach us through the main entrance to the building. Our other contact information is the same: Phone (315) 207-1070; e-mail: mailto:[email protected][1], and our Web site: http://www.oswegohumane.org[2] where you can view all of our adoptable animals.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/oswegohealth/health/pet-health-porky-buddy-discuss-plump-pets/

---