ArcaMax

While early spay/neuter is a good idea for population control and the long-term health of pets, science is demonstrating that as hormone levels change following these procedures, pets may require less food.

Overall, our pets are under-exercised. As families lead ever busier lives, many assume that allowing a dog a quick run in the yard is enough. That's not usually the case. Some dogs love to swim, others prefer fetch, others do best with a physical job (especially herding breeds), and for others, a good walk is all that's required. Some form of exercise is essential for good physical and mental health in people and pets.

Cat health and lifespan both benefit from indoor living, which is the trend. However, inside cats often get lulled into a lazy existence. Their only work is loudly reminding their owners that it's time to eat. In fact, our cats end up training us to be food dispensers. We keep filling the bowl, not even knowing which cat is eating when or how much.

Cats are born to hunt. Hiding a small percentage of their daily food in food puzzles and food-dispensing toys (made for cats or dogs) they can "hunt" for during the day activates the prey drive. If you do choose to leave bowls of food out all day, automatic timed feeders measure quantity and dispense food on a schedule.

Just as most owners play with their dogs, play is also vital for cats.

Overweight/obese pets can't be helped if owners don't notice the problem. Just as people don't pack on the pounds overnight, the same is true for pets. Unfortunately, for cats and small dogs, just a few extra pounds makes a big difference. While owners seldom weigh their pets, veterinarians do, and they should tell it like it is.

The good news is, even obese pets can lose weight, and clearly, doing so is in their best interest.

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