I’m not a pet owner (our son and I are allergic to dogs and cats), but I do go gaga over them. My parents, three sisters and all but one of their married children have dogs, everything from Jack Russells to bulldogs to Labrador retrievers to my parents pug/boxer mix, Sophie. That’s her flashing a Hollywood smile. As a doggie aunt, I fulfill my affection responsibilities with plenty of petting and goofy dog talk that sounds an awful like exaggerated baby talk (Who’s a goooood doggie? Lola girl! That’s who!). Then I scrub my hands and take a Benadryl.
If you have a dog or cat, Dr. Brandon Stapleton’s lowdown on pet obesity is a must-listen. Catch it on the Mid-Morning archive. In the meantime, here are some facts that will change the way you feed your dog or cat:
· 50% of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese.
· Just one pound too many on a small breed like a Chihuahua is equivalent to a 125-pound woman gaining 31 pounds.
· An estimated 58% of cats—54 million—are overweight or obese.
· Two extra pounds on a medium-size cat (like a Siamese) is equal to 25 extra pounds on a 125-pound woman.
· Feeding a 20-pound dog one ounce of cheddar cheese (one cube) is comparable to a 5’4” woman eating two hamburgers!
· And giving a 10-pound cat a cup of milk would be like a 5’4” woman eating five chocolate bars.
Every calorie, both meals and snacks, has a powerful impact on our pets.
We weren't able to squeeze in this info for smart phone owners from Ladies Home Journal’s Sara Haines. The tech guru recommends these mobile tools for keeping your pet safe and healthy:
· My Dog (free for iPhone and iPad) is a mobile storehouse for your dog’s vital information: medical records, emergency contacts—even health insurance info. You can email the profile directly to a new vet or dogsitter, saving you from transferring records or writing out instructions when you leave town.
· Pet First Aid ($3.99 for iPhone and $2.99 for Android) gives you instant access to detailed first-aid instructions (along with handy videos and illustrations) until you can get to your vet.
· Pet Services Finder (free for iPhone and iPad) is great for travelling with your pet. Search for nearby vets, clinics or pet-friendly hotels. Display the results on a map and get directions from your current location. You can even read fellow users’ reviews of a new vet you’re considering
(Info taken from September 11 Ladies Home Journal)
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