COUCH POTATO PETS

Many of us began the New Year with a resolution to get fit and lose weight. Don't forget that man's best friend may also be affected by the long winter months of inactivity and too many snacks. Take a good look at your pet. Has he or she packed on a few extra pounds?

Obesity occasionally results from a medical problem such as hypothyroidism. More often it is the result of our pets enjoying their food just a little too much. Many health problems can result from being overweight. Health risks from obesity include diabetes, respiratory problems and liver disease. In addition obesity certainly complicates treatment of orthopedic conditions such as hip dysphasia and osteoarthritis.

The first step is to recognize if your pet has a problem. This article will focus on our canine companions. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs fairly easily on either side of his/her chest. If you view your pet from the side he/she should have a nice deep chest that tapers up to a slender waist. If you view him/her from above, the chest should be wider than the waist. There is a variation from breed to breed so if you're unsure if your pet is overweight consult your veterinarian for advice.

Correcting the problem requires the same methods we utilize for ourselves - diet plus exercise. On the average it is recommended to exercise your dog for 20 minutes a day. This can be accomplished by including him/her in a daily walk or jog. Alternatives would include playing fetch or Frisbee. Also there are guidelines available for individual breeds that you can use as a reference. Don't let your pet become a "couch potato". Get him/her actively involved in an exercise routine.

Diet control is the more difficult part of the weight loss equation just like it is for us. Some mistakes that we frequently make with our pets are free choice feeding (ie: available dog food throughout the day) and too many snacks (dog biscuits and table foods). Your veterinarian can give you advice on which diet to choose. Basic choices include either an over-the counter diet for overweight or less active dogs or a prescription diet available through your veterinarian. Caloric requirements vary from pet to pet but your veterinarian can give you initial guidelines on the amount to feed. Consider trying veggie snacks instead of dog biscuits. Some dog treats can be 100 to 200 calories per treat. Some healthy snacks to try include carrots, apples, broccoli and celery. Raisins and grapes have occasionally been associated with kidney problems so avoid these as snacks. Keep some of these ready in the refrigerator for when Fido is begging for the next treat.

The final step is monitoring your dog's progress. Keep a chart or a diary with his or her initial weight and record the new weight each month. Weight loss should be gradual but progressive until your goal is reached. Adjust your feeding regime if the weight loss plateaus. Once again your veterinarian and their staff can be very helpful in guiding you toward your goal. Your pet will be healthier and happier at his/her ideal weight! Good Luck!

VIRULENT SYSTEMIC FELINE CALICIVIRUS
(VS-FCV)

Feline calicivirus is an upper respiratory virus that is included in feline “distemper” combination vaccines.  Cats infected with this virus can have nasal and ocular discharge, oral ulcerations, fever, depression and anorexia. Since 1998 a mutated form of the virus has been recognized. This virus, known as virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV), is highly contagious. Affected patients tend to exhibit more severe signs than those seen with the original virus. These signs can include severe ulceration and hair loss on the face and feet, high fever, swelling of the face and legs, organ dysfunction, and death. Seemingly healthy cats infected with the virus may die within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms develop. Routine vaccinations with traditional calicivirus vaccines do not protect individuals from the mutated form of this virus. The virus may be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, shoes, clothes, and hands. Recently, a new vaccine for this virulent form of calicivirus has been released.  The Findlay Animal Hospital and the Findlay Animal Care Center currently have this vaccine available. If you would like to have your cat protected against this highly contagious form of calicivirus, please call either the Findlay Animal Hospital at 419-423-7232 or the Findlay Animal Care Center at 419-423-4445.