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Obesity in Pets - Only You Can Control It

The Top 5 Deadliest Plants to Pets

Did you know that the majority of pets today are overweight? And that an overweight pet is at risk for early arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, and more?

The number one cause of obesity in pets in overfeeding...something you as the owner can, and should control. 

If your pet is carrying some extra weight there are ways you can help them slim down and live longer, healthier lives. Start by bringing your pet in to have it weighed and assessed by a doctor. Monitor their weight loss progress by stopping in for monthly weigh-ins. This is not something your pet can do alone. Here are some ways to help your pet stay fit and active.

  • Check with your vet about the kind and amount of food you are feeding - instructions on food bags usually recommend feeding more than the average dog or cat needs - your veterinarian will give you recommendations specifically for your pet.
  • Exercise your pet every day 
  • Limit fattening treats and table scraps. Instead give them low calorie treats such as ice cubes and carrots
  • Check with your vet about supplements or medications to help with pain or stiffness that make exercising hard
  • Teach them a new trick to keep their mind and body active
  • Keep their nails short so walking and running are more comfortable

Your pets depend on you to keep them healthy. If you follow the advice above your pets will feel better and you will enjoy the company of happy, healthy companions.

Featured Dogs - The Sporting Breed

Within the American Kennel Club (AKC) dogs are divided into groups based upon what they were originally bred for.  There are 8 groups within the AKC: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, and Miscellaneous. 

We would like to share some information with you about the Sporting Group this month.

There are currently 26 breeds of dogs recognized by the AKC as sporting breeds.  These dogs are alert, lively, and extremely active and full of energy. 

Some of the more common breeds included in this group are the Labrador Retriever, the Gordon Setter, the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Field Spaniel, and the Weimeraner. 

Many, if not all, of these breeds may participate in hunting and field competitions and thrive while doing these events.  Sporting breeds generally excel on land and in the water which makes them very versatile. 

In order to be a good addition to a household dogs in the sporting breed need consistent training throughout their lifetime.  Bringing a sporting breed into your life is a big commitment.  They require a lot of daily exercise and activity.

Although the Sporting Breed dogs require lots of time and training, they can bring a lot of joy into the lives of their families.  They make wonderful companions for running, walking, hunting, swimming, playing fetch, and after a busy day, for snuggling on the couch and watching TV. 

Before adding any dog to your household it is important to evaluate your lifestyle and decided which dog, if any, is right for you.  For tips on how to do this please click here.

Watch next month for a feature on a new dog group!

 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has listed the top 5 deadliest plants to pets.  Although the following list details the most problematic plants, we recommend that you discourage pets from eating any plants.  A plant doesn't have to be poisonous to cause intestinal upset.

If you have any of the following plants in your house or if you believe your pet has come in contact with any of the following please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) immediately.


1.  Lillies:
  Ingestion of Lillies is the number one reason that people call poison control for their pets.  This plant is very popular and can be found in many gardens and flower shops because of its beautiful flowers.  This plant is especially toxic to cats and ingesting even a small amount can result in serious kidney damage.
 
2.  Azaleas:  Azaleas are not indigenous to this area, but are often used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant.  They contain a substance called grayanotowins.  This substance can cause vomiting, drooling, and problems to the central nervous system. In severe cases death can result from collapse of the cardiovascular system.

3.  Oleander:  Like the Azalea, the Oleander is only found in the US when used for ornamental purposes. Ingestion of any part of this plan can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal cardiac function, and hypothermia.

4.  Sago Palm:  These popular ornamental plants can also be deadly to pets.  Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, and liver failure.  Although all parts of the plants are toxic, it is thought that the seeds or nuts contain the most toxins.

5.  Castor Bean:  As with the Sago Palm, the nut or seen portion of the Castor Bean Plant are the most toxic.  The poisonous principle in the Castor Bean is Ricin, ingestion of even a tiny amount can cause severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, weakness, and loss of appetite.

If you suspect your pet has ingested even the smallest amount of a potentially toxic plant it is important to act quickly.  Immediately contact your veterinarian or poison control.  You can help keep your pets safe by assuring that your house and yard are free of toxic plants.  If you would like to learn more about these and other toxic plants please visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at  www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc
See articles from past "what's new" pages here
 

Carver Lake Veterinary Center       2201 Ventura Drive       Woodbury, Minnesota  55125-4337       (651) 578-3290       Fax:  (651) 578-3261

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