Local Dogs Battle Obesity, Too
February 17th, 2008 Posted in Reptile PetsWith much of America feeling the bulge of an obesity epidemic, doctors everywhere are making the case for proper diet and exercise. That same point can also be made for our furred, four-legged friends. Veterinarians in the Coachella Valley say canines everywhere, especially in the desert, are becoming plumper. And one La Quinta animal hospital is reaching out to dog owners who have dogs tipping scales on the plus side. Throughout February, the Village Park Animal Hospital is offering free appointments in its AquaPaws weight loss program. Every Tuesday and Thursday in the month, weight checks, body evaluations, and health tips are giving to owners so they can use them for their dogs. Veterinarian Kathryn Carlson says she puts emphasis on diet for overweight dogs because they face the same health consequences as their human counterparts. “They can have major arthritic, heart, joint, and breathing problems,” Dr. Carlson explains. Though possibly life-saving, prescribed diets for dogs may also hurt their owners. “Its embarrassing,” says Sharon Levy, owner to overweight mutt “Mamacita.” “The first time I brought [my dog] to Dr. Carlson, she said she looks like a stepping stole because shes a little fat.” Ever since the diagnosis, Levy started bringing “Mamacita,” who was adopted as a rescue dog, to the AquaPaws diet clinic. In the program, dogs like “Mamacita” go through drug-free, holistic approaches to weight loss including the water treadmill, hot spa, and physical therapy techniques including using exercise balls. For Levys pooch, shes been running the water treadmill and cutting back on the kibble. But like some people, shes fallen off the diet wagon from time-to-time. “Shes only lost one pound,” Levy says. “I think its because of Christmas and all the treats and things.” Dr. Carlson says pet owners often underestimate what theyre feeding their dogs or feel bad saying “no.” But she says tough love at treatment time and a strict follow to doctors orders can help your pet live longer. As for “Mamacita,” Levys goal weight loss for her pup: 10 pounds. To find out more details on the AquaPaws program at Village Park Animal Hospital in La Quinta, call 760-564-3833.
Tags: animal hospital, dog owners, dogs, loc, love, paws, Pet, pet owners, pup, vet, veterinarianRelated posts
Tags: animal hospital, dog owners, dogs, loc, love, paws, Pet, pet owners, pup, vet, veterinarian
