Is It Time For Your Pet To Go On A Diet?

The Holidays are over and New Year’s Resolutions may include you starting an exercise program and going on a diet. Consider that your pet may also need to change his/her diet and increase exercise.

An estimated 45 percent of all U.S. pets are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. While the best treatment is prevention, it’s never too late to help your pet stay in better shape. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and cats. And just like people, obesity in pets comes with health risks that include diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

How do I know whether my pet’s overweight?
If you’re unsure what your pet’s optimum weight should be, perform this simple test: Place your hands on your pet’s rib cage with your thumbs on the back.
> If you feel the ribs easily, your pet is considered to be normal weight.
> If you can feel fat between the skin and ribs or the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet is overweight.
> If you can’t feel the ribs, your pet is definitely obese.

It’s important to have this judgment confirmed by your veterinarian; he or she can rule out other diseases that look like obesity such as heart, kidney, or glandular disease.

How can I help my pet lose weight?
If your animal is overweight, there are usually painless methods for losing those unhealthy pounds. Because pets need far fewer calories than most of us think — as little as 185-370 a day for a small, inactive dog; just 240-350 calories daily for a 10-pound cat — talk to your vet, who can make feeding suggestions based on your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle With careful dietary management and oversight by your veterinarian, changes in diet and lifestyle can lead to a much more productive life. Routine walks and playtime combined with sensible feedings can avert the need for medical intervention.

Whether you’re looking to slim down your pet’s waistline or are just looking for healthy alternatives to commercial pet treats, we’ve got a great list for you! Did you know that many of the fruits and vegetables you eat can also be given as treats to your pet? Just cut up pea-sized pieces for a healthful, low-calorie snack.

Adding New Foods to Pet Diet Introducing new foods into your pet’s diet may cause upset stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Be cautious by introducing only one new fruit or vegetable at a time so that you can be aware of any health changes.

Fruit- Be sure to wash all fruits and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds, and pits before feeding to pets.

Feed-Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Mango, Oranges, Pear, Pineapple, Raspberries, Strawberries, Watermelon.

Never Feed– Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage for cats and dogs, so avoid feeding these entirely. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause upset stomach.

Vegetables- Consider steaming or boiling cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they are much easier to digest when they are cooked.

Feed-Asparagus, Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), Broccoli ,Cabbage, Carrots ,Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Green beans, Lettuce, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sweet potato, Spinach

Never Feed your pet onions or garlic as they are toxic in all forms: cooked, raw, and even onion powder. These cause damage to the red blood cells, ultimately causing them to burst. Rhubarb and wild mushrooms also contain toxins. We suggest avoiding corn as it is a common allergen among pets.

ChanceFeatured Dog- Chance

Chance a striking impression! He is a black and whit Border Collie with beautiful markings on his legs. He is smart and wants to please. He is high energy. He knows sit, come , stay, wait. He is working on his leash training. Chance will need plenty of exercise and activities to keep his sharp mind challenged!  He would probably do better as the only dog so you can give him your undivided attention.

Additional dogs- At this time there are no additional dogs for adoption

Featured Cat- SammyDSCN6425

Sammy came to the shelter after his owner passed away. He loves new people, and thinks everything is exciting! Sammy is a handsome gray tiger with personality plus (once he gets to know you). He is a very affectionate and sweet boy who loves being around his people. But, he can be shy of new people at first so when you go visit him, sit patiently and let him come to you.  Once he knows you, he is your best friend. . He will purr all day if you pet him! Sammy will do great in any quiet home where he flourish as the center of attention!

Additional cats-

Baltimore is a talkative Russian Blue about 2 years old. Friendly and outgoing.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268

The animals submitted to the media may have changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER