Did your little Checkers get Chubby this Holiday Season?

We all expect to gain a bit of weight over the holidays - and our pets are certainly gain some pounds too. Table scraps, leftovers and all the yummy little dog treats that they have received ~ you can bet he or she has packed on a few. Controlling your pet's weight is a critical part of taking care of your pet and their health.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), it has been estimated that approximately 45% of dogs and 58% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Most pet owners don't even realize it until it is totally out of control.

The American Kennel Club warns that excess weight endangers the heart, lungs and joints and makes a dog more susceptible to other ailments such as diabetes and arthritis. Pets that stay at a healthy weight live longer and with less disease than overweight pets.

As with any health issue for you or your pet awareness and early detection of weight problems is crucial. By recognizing if your pet has a weight problem, you could save his/her life! Ask your veterinarian to determine the best weight and diet plan for them!

One simple thing that you can do is to feed your dog low calorie dog treats. Dog treats that are organic/or gluten free dog treats or sugar free treats are the best dog treat for a dog whose battling the bulge.

It's a New Year soon and there's no better time than now to help your Pet Lose Weight!

Medical Testing for your Dog

For many pet owners - our pets are more than JUST pets. Our pets offer comfort during life's challenges and friendship in the good and bad times. Most cases, our pets are a part of our lives and therefore we want to protect them. That means, they too - need to go the Dr. (vet) for checkups and tests.

Just like humans, at times we don't exhibit signs or symptoms but can be sick and not know it. Taking your pet to the vet will play a crucial part of keeping your pet well and and early detection of any illnesses. The sooner a problem can be found and detected, the sooner your pet can get treatment.


Some testing for your pet at the Vet could be -

A blood count - this is a solid way to gather information about your pet's overall health. Blood tests look at red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets and can identify any signs of infection.

Checking your pets urine/ waste - this offers some crucial information about parasites

Remember older pets need extra care and attention. Testing for older dogs could be thyroid testing, kidney testing and general movement testing for those achy bones.

Remember there are small things you can do to make your pet's life a little easier -

Purchase a wonderful elevated pet feeder so that they are not bending down to eat. Cabo Dog Boutique has some wonderful designer elevated dog feeders to make any dog's or cat's life a little more pleasant. This great Double Wrought Iron Dog Feeder would make an excellent gift for your dog to help bring in 2013. 

Choosing a wonderful pet bed is like making sure you have the right mattress. Getting the perfect pet bed is giving your dog a great night's sleep. The Chestnut Shearling Bahaus Pet Bed
is wonderfully made with chestnut microfibers and with shearling trim and covered buttons.

Bathe any dog young or old regularly and a great new dog soap product is the Pup Scrub Goats Milk Soap.  All natural, moisturizing and soothing for the sensitive skin of dogs. Helps repel fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Produces a luxurious lather that leaves a clean and shiny coat. Do not use on cats please as this goats milk soap is for dogs only. This dog soap has not been testing on animals and is made in the USA. Ingredients are Saponified olive, coconut, palm and soybean oils, shea butter, goat's milk, blend of essential oils and natural vitamin E. Your dog will love this!

Remember that you must take care of your pet so that they are with you for many years to come to help take care of you.