Got some time on your hands? Make your dog their own iphone controlled dog treat dispenser.

Video Game Promotes Animal Rescue & Adoption


Interactive video and online game publisher Legacy Interactive has created Pet Pals: New Leash on Life, a computer simulation game that takes place inside an animal rescue center where the player assumes the role of a veterinarian in diagnosing, treating, caring for and even adopting virtual pets. Proceeds support The Humane Society of the United States.

Pet Pals: New Leash on Life is the latest title in Legacy’s award winning Pet Pals series. The goal is to nurse all of the admitted animals back to health using realistic medical tools and ultimately adopt them into forever homes. Players prepare their animals for adoption by training, grooming, petting and playing with them until they are ready for their future homes. When a pet has been successfully treated and placed in the right home, players get a promotion with more responsibilities and more difficult cases to handle.

“This is a great educational tool in helping to understand the daily responsibilities of animal rescue and the importance of adoption,” states Stephanie Shain, director of outreach, companion animals for The Humane Society of the United States.

The Humane Society of the United States works tirelessly to ensure a better world for animals across the globe. The HSUS runs spay/neuter and adoption programs, works to end the cruel practice of puppy mills, supports animal shelters, fights cruelty and cares for the animal victims of disasters and other emergencies.

“We are so excited to provide support for the invaluable programs of The Humane Society of the United States,” said Ariella Lehrer, president and CEO, Legacy Interactive. “We hope that by purchasing Pet Pals: New Leash on Life, players will get the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a veterinarian, have fun, and at the same time feel good about supporting a great animal protection organization.”
Pet Pals: New Leash on Life is available for PC download at www.petpalsgame.com and is rated E for Everyone, ages 8+.

Dog Drives Car into Coffeehouse

The coffeehouse didn't have a drive thru window to begin with, but it does now! A man tried to do the right thing and leave the heat on for his dog while he grabbed a cup of Joe, but no good deed goes unpunished. Watch a CNN ireport on the disaster that ensued. Luckily no one was hurt!

Guess the Transition of Power Isn't Going too Well...

Barney, the outgoing first dog, bit a reporter. See the full story here.
In all due respect though, the reporter bent down and approached Barney way too fast... and he also had quite a bit in his hands. It's pretty easy to see how from a dog's perspective this looked like aggressive behavior.

ASPCA Urges Obama Family to Adopt First Dog

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauded the flurry of recent news reports that the Obama Family will consider adopting a shelter dog when they choose their new family pet for the White House.

“The unconditional love we get from our companion animals is one of the greatest gifts in life,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “At the ASPCA, we are thrilled at the prospect that the Obama Family will ‘make pet adoption their first option’ and head to their local animal shelter or rescue group, where there are many extraordinary animals just waiting for a forever home. Whether their preference is dog or cat, small or large, purebred or lovable mutt, they could both find the perfect pet and help an animal in need, which would be an incredible opportunity.”

One of the best ways the Obama Family can find their perfect pet is through the ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match™ (MYM) adoption program, which is being used by hundreds of animal shelters and rescue groups across the country. The MYM program assesses the “Canine-ality™” of adoptable dogs as well as the “Feline-ality™” of adoptable cats, and matches them with their perfect pet parents based on compatibility. Based on their assessments, the animals are assigned one of nine canine-alities or feline-alities which fall into three major purple, orange, and color-coded categories. The descriptions are added to the animal’s cage (or kennel) card, and the animals are ready to meet their human matches. Some examples include the relaxed and laid back “Couch Potato,” the naturally playful, curious and trusting “Busy Bee,” and action hero-type “Go-Getter.”

The adopter survey is the second component of the process, which asks 19 questions of the potential adopter to determine which Canine-ality™ or Feline-ality™ best matches their expectations, experience, lifestyle and home environment. The adopter is given a purple, orange or green guest pass – color coordinated to match the cage cards of the cats that best match them.

“The MYM program is a perfect fit for any family, especially the Obamas,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Shelter Behavior Programs, and a developer of the program. “Potential pet adopters can easily be overwhelmed with choices of breed, size, and even coat color, but with the MYM adoption process, the Obama Family will be able to complete the MYM Adopter Survey together, meet all their four-legged matches, and choose the perfect pet for their family.”

For more information on the ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match™ program, and how to find the perfect pet, please visit. www.aspca.org.

Don't forget about Friday's Fur Ball. PetHelpers is a fantastic organization and this is their largest and most important fund-raiser. And it's lots of fun too! This year, they have auction items that fit every budget, from $20 to $3,000. So there's something there for everyone. Tickets will be available at the door. See event info below.

Cough it up for the Fourth Annual Fur Ball!

Pet Helpers 4^th Annual Fur Ball Black Tie Gala will be held Friday, November 7^th, 6:30 pm, at the Marriott on Lockwood Blvd. We are celebrating our 30^th anniversary and pearls will be the theme of this years Party for the Pets!

As you begin your evening with a beverage from the open bar and Hors ‘d oeuvres, you will have time to view and bid on the many exciting Silent Auction items which include: Vacation Get-a-Ways, Art work, Dinners, Jewelry, Golf Packages and many other exciting and unique items. While enjoying your plated dinner, you will also have a chance to bid on items during our exciting Live Auction, emceed by Tom Crawford and Victoria Hansen of TV 4 News and then dance the night away to some great music.

All proceeds from this gala will fund our Pet Helpers Adoption Center and Spay/ Neuter Clinic. Our new facility houses over 250 homeless animals on a daily basis, where they are all medically cared for and given TLC in an open, bright and cheerful environment. All of Pet Helpers animals are kept until adopted.

Tickets to the Fur Ball cost $150 each and can be purchased at the shelter or by calling (843) 795-1110. Visa and MasterCard are available. The Fur Ball Gala has sold out the past three years; with only 350 tickets available, seating is limited, so call now! It is an evening you don’t want to miss! For more information, log onto our website at www.pethelpers.org.

Pet Helpers Adoption Center & Spay/Neuter Clinic has entered a cool contest and needs your help!!

For all people who spoil their pets rotten or if you just want to do your good deed for the day, Pet Helpers has entered Care2’s “Vote for your Favorite Animal Shelter” contest. The shelter with the most votes will win $10,000! The contest ends November 1, 2008 and we need at least 1,000 votes to qualify. Voting takes less than a minute and the site asks for your name, e-mail and zip code to participate. (Be sure to “opt out” of their e-mail list at the bottom right before clicking the “Vote” button if you don’t want to receive newsletters.)

This is a national contest, so PLEASE pass the link and instructions to anyone who could vote today!

TO VOTE…click here: http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/75635

Thank you in advance for giving Pet Helpers your support

The Frances R. Willis SPCA of Dorchester County is low on food supplies. They are hosting a dog food drive during the month of October. Food can be dropped off at the following locations:

Mr. K's Piggly Wiggly
404 North Cedar Street - Summerville
1605 Central Avenue - Knightsville

Piggly Wiggly
680 Bacons Bridge Rd. - Summerville

Patterson Printing
402 Old Trolley Rd. - Summerville

Carolina One Real Estate Offices
900 N. Main St. - Summerville
1530 Old Trolley Rd. - Summerville

Frances R. Willis SPCA
136 Four Paws Lane in Summerville

Cash and credit card donations can be made only at the SPCA facility. Food reserves are critically low. If you need more information, call the SPCA at 871-3820.

Local Firms Create the Ultimate in Posh Pet Design

Parker-Sims Interiors and Annie Melvin of Boutique Tents partnered to create the Chateau de Chien - an entry in Pierre Deux's national posh pet design challenge benefiting Canine Companions for Independence. Make sure to vote for the Chateau de Chien at www.pierredeux.com now through November 14th! Go Charleston!

On October 23 during the Upper King Design Walk, the Chateau will be on view at Three Dog Bakery.

On October 24 from 6-9 Pierre Deux is hosting an unveiling event in their showroom at 279 King and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to Canine Companions for Independence.

Charleston Air Force Base Pet Fest

The Charleston Air Force Base is currently planning its inaugural "PetFest 2008", which will be held on Saturday, September 27th, from 10 am to 2 pm. PetFest 2008 is designed to entertain and educate our military, civilian employees, retirees, and their families (including the four-legged ones!) about pets of all kinds; all the while benefitting local charities.

Plans include having a number of rescue groups in attendance with dogs (and a few cats) available for adoption, a variety of contests in which pets can compete, agility demonstrations, canine good citizen tests, a variety of doorprizes, and the opportunity for pups to take swimming lessons in our pool. CAFB will also be offering K-9 demonstrations, a display of indigenous wildlife and reptiles, and the base vet clinic will be providing microchipping services. As a "price of admission" all attendees are asked to bring a bag or cans of dog/cat food for our local shelters to aid in the wake of recent surrenders.

Please note that this event is NOT open to the public. Base credentials are required for access.

Contact Caroline Werntz for more info.

Caroline R. Werntz
Marketing & Commercial Sponsorship
437th Force Support Squadron
102 North Davis Drive, Building 322, 1st Floor
Charleston Air Force Base, SC 29404
843.963.3816 (phone)
843.963.2788 (fax)
caroline.werntz@charleston.af.mil (e-mail)

A stray dog shelters a newborn baby abandoned by it's 14 year old mother in an Argentinian field. The baby would have surely died in the 37 degree weather had the dog not been so heroic! Read more about the amazing story here.

ASPCA Applauds Indictment in Tennessee’s Largest-Ever Puppy Mill Raid



NEW YORK – The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauded the indictment in the case of Tennessee’s largest-ever puppy mill raid of more than 700 dogs earlier this summer. A grand jury formally indicted Patricia Adkisson yesterday on 24 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty, nine misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and more than a dozen other misdemeanors. Arraignment has been scheduled for September.


“We are honored to have assisted in the investigation of this case and are extremely satisfied with the indictment,” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “While it does not erase the horrible neglect and inhumane treatment these animals suffered through, we know our work continues to shine the spotlight on animal cruelty in this country as well as the importance of fighting against it.”


The ASPCA assisted in the June raid by lending a special forensic cruelty investigation team that includes two forensic veterinarians, as well as the ASPCA’s Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit. The ASPCA team was deployed at the request of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which led the raid, to assist in the collection of evidence for the prosecution of the criminal case. The team included the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck, the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian and “animal CSI,” and the ASPCA’s Disaster Response Team.


The 747 animals discovered in the raid were housed in various enclosures among the property’s 92 acres of hilly and rocky terrain known as Pine Bluff Kennels in Lyles, Tennessee. More than a dozen animals were found dead. According to Dr. Merck, the majority of the animals were dogs, including more than 200 puppies, suffering from a general lack of husbandry, such as little to no food or water, lack of proper ventilation in enclosed areas, and feces encrusted pens. Conditions such as matting, sores, broken limbs, hernias, abscesses, and a host of other medical conditions were also prevalent. Other animals discovered on the property included horses, burros, miniature horses, chickens, goats, parrots and purebred cats.


Animals in critical condition were examined immediately on the ASPCA’s Mobile Animal CSI Unit, which operates under the leadership of Dr. Merck and brings both state-of-the-art forensics tools and unmatched expertise to crime scenes. The specially-designed vehicle is also outfitted with medical equipment tailored for animal patients.


At the time of the raid, animals seized from the facility were placed into the official custody of the HSUS and transported to a nearby emergency shelter, eventually in the hopes of being placed in shelters and adopted into loving homes. Many of the other animals, including livestock, were in temporary foster care.


For more information about puppy mills and the ASPCA’s fight against animal cruelty, visit www.aspca.org.

A Sad Day in Animal Welfare

A U.S. woman received five puppies today cloned from her late pet pitbull. Read the full story here. 

I personally think commercial canine cloning is a big, big mistake. According to the Anti-Vivisection Society, " studies have shown that the multiple procedures involved in animal cloning not only cause pain and stress to the surrogate animals used in the lab, but the offspring - if they actually survive birth-do not look or act identical to the original animal." Thus, cloning is a mute point that only brings about possible damage! It would make just as much sense ( and would certainly be more natural) to purchase a dog  from the same bloodline through a reputable breeder. Your chances of a dog of similar temperament and physical characteristics are just as good.

It's a fact that the mast majority of clones suffer birth defects and die prematurely. Why else do you think that for the $50,000 fee the S. Korean company charged her,  the first woman to clone her dog received FIVE puppies! Will all five puppies survive and live long healthy lives? Doubtful.

I understand this woman's grief over the loss of her beloved pet. Apparently he was an incredible animal that saved her from another dog's attack and then later helped her when she was wheelchair bound. But I believe it would have been better for her ( and more respectful of her dog's memory) to have saved the life of a dog in a shelter rather than clone her departed pet. 

Cloning is dubious science at best and frankly quite scary to me. Just because we can clone animals doesn't mean we should.

What do you think?

First Whole-Pet Health and Wellness Web Site Launches

Search "pet health" on theInternet and more than 16 million sites and references pop up. With somuch online clutter, it's no wonder a recent survey found three out of four pet owners would find a singular site for pet health and wellness information valuable. A new online platform that redefines how pet owners approach pet care launches today with WebVet (www.webvet.com), the first whole-pet resource that brings together, in one trusted place, veterinarian-approved pet health and wellness information, as well as lifestyle trends and pet-centric news from leading animal health experts and award-winning reporters.

The survey, sponsored by WebVet, also revealed that pet owners visit anywhere from two to five sites or more before they find the right online pet health information, and nearly one-quarter of all pet owners feel they cannot find what they need at all. "In fact, nearly half of all pet owners told us they are skeptical of the quality of existing online pet sources," said Bill Zaccheo, chief executive officer of WebVet. "WebVet gives pet owners access to credible information that for the first time encompasses both the physical and emotional needs of their pets."

Trusted Experts In Pet Health and Pet Topics

WebVet does not diagnose health issues, dispense advice, or editorialize; rather, it is a neutral resource providing news, information and fact-based education from credible expert sources and partners. WebVet's Veterinary Advisory Council is composed of some of the most highly respected veterinarians in the industry, including Jan Trumpeter, DVM, deputy executive director, the American Animal Hospital Association, and Mike Cavanaugh, director, veterinary specialty team,
Pfizer Animal Health, among others.

WebVet works hand-in-hand with the nation's leading veterinarians to serve as a supplemental resource to help inform and educate pet owners. Unlike any other online pet resource, at least once a year all content on the site -- both medical and general interest -- is rigorously reviewed and updated by a veterinary member of WebVet's Editorial Review Board and then granted a "seal of approval" from the WebVet Veterinary Advisory Council.

"Without a doubt the veterinarian is the most trusted authority for pet owners, but the reality is that owners turn to the Internet on a daily basis for health and wellness information," said Hope Schultz, co-founder, president and chief operating officer of WebVet. "Owners are confused about where to go and whom to trust, and that's why WebVet's expert resources make it easier to be a better pet parent."

WebVet is supported by diverse partnerships with some of country's most respected pet industry organizations, such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), Sittercity, the Zoological Education Network, the Winn Foundation and Pfizer Animal Health. In addition, WebVet maintains a roster of dedicated, award-winning writers to research and report relevant pet news and human interest stories on an ongoing basis.

"Because WebVet offers one trusted and reliable place for pet owners to gather information about health care for pets, it is a tremendous asset to both consumers and veterinarians," said Georgette Wilson, DVM, manager, Veterinary Operations for Pfizer Animal Health. "A well-informed pet owner can be very helpful to veterinarians when making decisions regarding the best course of action for their pets' health."

Beyond Conventional Pet Care

WebVet is the first online resource for dogs, cats, birds and small pets (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and more) that provides a unique "whole pet" platform that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of pets. "We want pet owners to have the resources they need to fully embrace and engage in their pet's health and wellness as they would their own," added Schultz. "WebVet is the first resource that
truly focuses on a pet's body, mind and soul, combining one's own personal knowledge of what their pet needs with their veterinarian's knowledge relative to their physical health."

Beyond arming owners with accurate, credible medical content and health and wellness information, WebVet keeps pet lovers at the forefront of new developments relevant to their pets' daily lives. On WebVet, pet owners will find:


* Health and Wellness Education -
With a roster of 25 dedicated writers and a network of more than 80,000 veterinarians via partnerships with some of the nation's most respected animal health and industry organizations, WebVet offers the most comprehensive,credible and unbiased resource for pet health and wellness information.



* Everyday Life Features -
WebVet provides pet owners with original content and access to the latest pet-related lifestyle trends. WebVet covers everything from global developments and local pet services to inspirational human interest stories and diet and exercise routines. WebVet also dives deeply into emerging trends, such as holistic care, offering a wide array of articles ranging from alternative medicine and treatments to how to create a non-toxic living environment.


* Community -
WebVet offers a community atmosphere with places for pet owners to connect with one another through opt-in WebVet Mail newsletters, tagged content and shared commentary. Forums allow users to join support groups as well as share experiences and knowledge that is relevant to their pet's health and well-being. In addition, WebVet counseling experts provide the latest information on a cross-section of topics, including animal law, pet loss and merging families.

WebVet is dedicated to providing pet owners with everything they need to be the best pet parents possible. In response to pet owner feedback, shortly after its launch, WebVet will integrate "Pet 311," a wellness and prevention hotline providing pet owners with the most current information available regarding seasonal and other timely health topics.

"Pet owners are deeply involved in all aspects of their pets' lives," said Janice Trumpeter, DVM, deputy executive director, American Animal Hospital Association. "WebVet provides an informative and credible resource outside of the veterinarian's office that educates pet owners about raising a healthy and happy pet."

As part of its mission, WebVet is committed to giving back to animal welfare and will create programs to actively engage users to participate in a variety of fundraising initiatives that will benefit both pets and those who love and support them.

For more information about this new online resource, pet owners and lovers can visit www.webvet.com.

Rachael Ray Going to the Dogs with New Pet Food

Celebrity chef Rachael Ray has launched a charity-driven line of dog foods based on recipes she created for her pit bull, Isaboo. Product information claims the commercial food is based on real meat and veggies and does not contain fillers. All sales of the Rachael Ray Nutrish pet foods will go to Rachael's Rescue, which helps at-risk animals.

Has anyone seen this food anywhere? I wonder what the ingredients and production method are. You can spin a press release, but not the ingredient list! Is this really a high quality food or is it just the latest in Rachel's long list of "products" and endorsements? I applaud her though for her rescue work and donating proceeds to the organization she created.

If anyone has seen this food or has used the product let me know what you think!

Obama Family Dog Web Site Rockets Past 20,000 Signatures Just 24 Hours after Launch

Animal lovers from across the United States are jumping on the Barack Obama adopt-a-dog bandwagon.

Since it was launched less than 24 hours ago by Best Friends Animal Society, the ObamaFamilyDog.com web site has surpassed 20,000 signatures on a petition to urge the Democratic presidential candidate to adopt a dog rather than purchasing from a commercial breeder or pet store.

Utah-based Best Friends, which operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for adoptable companion animals, hopes the web site will help convince the Obamas to join thousands of other Americans who believe that adoption from a shelter or breed rescue organization is the way to add a companion animal to the family.

When Michelle Obama, wife of the senator, mentioned weeks ago that the Obamas had promised their kids a dog following the presidential campaign, the American Kennel Club was quick to offer suggestions for purebred dogs. But Best Friends, which launched “A Puppy-Store-Free LA” campaign in Los Angeles last week, countered with the adoption option.

“Our members are casting their votes at the rate of about 1,000 per hour,” said Julie Castle, director of community programs and services for Best Friends. “The speed at which the signatures have multiplied is testimony to the fact that the ethical message of adoption, embraced by Best Friends and many other animal welfare organizations, is getting through to the masses.”

Across the country, in both red and blue states, millions of dogs are killed each year in shelters in large part because there aren’t enough families for them, Castle pointed out. “Best Friends believes that adopting a homeless pet is the right choice. Win or lose, this is an opportunity for Sen. Obama to effect change on this very important issue.”

Best Friends urges families to consider adopting from a shelter or breed rescue organization, rather than purchasing from a commercial breeder or pet store. Adoption helps save lives of dogs that ultimately would be euthanized and is a more socially responsible choice for new pet owners. It also helps decrease the demand for dogs from puppy mills, the large commercial breeding enterprises that supply pet shops across the United States.

Last week at a Los Angeles news conference, Best Friends Animal Society and Last Chance for Animals jointly announced the launch of “A Puppy-Store-Free LA” campaign to shine the light on tens of thousands of dogs across the United States that are trapped in puppy mills, which serve as suppliers for pet shops around the country.

“We’re hoping “A Puppy-Store-Free LA” campaign will help us stop the flow of puppies from puppy mills to pet stores and at the same time make it more difficult to sell puppies from puppy mills,” Castle said. “Obviously, if Sen. Obama chooses to adopt, it will set an example for all Americans—that adopting a homeless pet is the right thing to do.”

For more information about adopting a dog, Best Friends suggests a visit to a local shelter or looking online at any of the following web sites:

www.1-800-save-a-pet.com
www.pets911.com
www.petfinder.com

Potential adopters can also find a purebred dog from a breed rescue organization by searching www.google.com. Enter a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word “rescue.”


“Kindness to Animals Builds a Better World for All of Us”

Dog Plucks Boy From Platte

OMAHA, Neb. -- A Labrador retriever lived up to its name Friday when he plucked his 12-year-old owner out of the Platte River, near North Bend.

Check out the full story here.

Get Out a Different Vote: Let’s Hear it for Heroic Pets and People!
ASPCA Seeks Nominations for 2008 Humane Awards

As citizens across the country continue to make their way to the polls for the 2008 Presidential primaries, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is asking the public to cast one more ballot.


As it does every year, the organization is seeking public nominations of extraordinary pets and people for its annual Humane Awards program. If you know a fabulous feline or precocious pooch with a knack for saving lives, or a heroic human being who has improved the lives of animals, the ASPCA wants to hear from you. Nominations are being accepted until July l5 at www.aspca.org/nominate.


Last year’s winners included a first-aid wunderkind and golden retriever who performed a modified Heimlich maneuver on his choking owner; a petite kitty with a loud voice who saved her family from dying of carbon monoxide poisoning; and a selfless pre-teen who works tirelessly on behalf of homeless horses.


"The ASPCA Humane Awards is our way of recognizing the important role animals play in our lives, the significance of the human-animal bond, and the people who make animal welfare a central part of their lives," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.


Those who may be considered for this distinguished honor include humans who have worked on behalf of animal welfare and animals who have engaged in acts of heroism in the United States during the past year. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 30, at the historic Rainbow Room in New York City, where the awards will be presented.


Categories open for nomination include:



· ASPCA Dog of the Year

: for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year;


· ASPCA Cat of the Year

: for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year;


· ASPCA Kid of the Year

: for a child aged 14 or under who has rescued an animal or helps make the world a kinder place for animals;


· ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

: for a member of the municipal police force (or other public service officer) who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year; and


· ASPCA Firefighter of the Year

: for a municipal firefighter who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.


· Other Nominations

: Any other nomination that does not fit into any of the above categories.


The ASPCA will is accepting nominations via its Web site at www.aspca.org/nominate. All submissions must include the following: the nominee’s name, street address, email address, and telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (400 words or less) of why this person or pet deserves the award.


The deadline for entries is Tuesday, July 15, at 12 PM (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA, and announced to the public in mid-October. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org/nominate.

Obesity in Pets

While over-feeding by giving treats to your animal may be considered a sign of your affection, it might also be a death sentence. In the United States and other countries, about 40 percent of pets are obese. In fact, the No.1 nutritional problem for all pets is obesity.

Dr. Debra Zoran, associate professor and chief of medicine at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has some valuable advice about getting your portly pet in shape.

She says the first step a pet owner should take is to have the pet examined by a veterinarian to assess its overall health, body weight and body condition. The vet will typically use the Body Condition System (BCS) chart in order to classify the animal as lean, overweight or obese. A score of 8 or 9 on the BCS means the animal is clinically obese and measures should be taken to reduce the animal’s excess fat tissue.

“Obesity in animals is caused by a combination of over nutrition and decreased energy expenditure,” Zoran confirms.

Over nutrition is something that the pet owner can control, with a little extra effort and help in understanding proper feeding in dogs and cats from your veterinarian. Zoran says there are a number of dietary factors that can result in a pet becoming obese. First, pet owners need to know the proper amount of food – and calories – they need to provide their animal based on its lifestyle, neuter status, workload and body condition.

She notes to keep in mind that recommended serving sizes on the labels of pet food have been calculated for active, intact animals, and should be decreased by 20 - 30 percent for neutered animals, house dogs and cats, and animals that lead a primarily sedentary lifestyle.

“Dogs should be fed twice a day at controlled time intervals. Try not to leave the food bowl down constantly since this is often the cause of overeating,” informs Zoran.

Zoran also recommends limiting the number of treats a dog receives, especially around the dinner table. Every treat the dog receives has calories, which can lead to obesity if the dogs’ caloric intake is not adjusted. Since treats are often an important aspect of owner-dog interaction, it is essential to increase exercise to compensate for the added calories. This can be done by allowing the animal to run in the backyard or taking the animal to a park. It is important to visit with a veterinarian if a pet owner is unsure of the optimum amount of food or treats a dog should receive.

Just as in dogs, feline obesity is also a significant problem in pet cats. Since inside cats are less likely to be extremely active, their caloric content should be carefully controlled. The most common method of feeding indoor cats is free choice, since open bowl feeding is highly associated with over-eating.

Ideally, Zoran says, cats should be fed small meals two to four times a day in controlled time intervals and using a specific amount of food. Zoran recommends encouraging activity in cats by purchasing toys or using other methods of stimulation like laser lights or climbing trees in order to encourage physical activity. The key to feline activity is to increase movement – cats respond to movement and activity.

“Cats need physical activity in order to burn the excess amount of carbohydrates and other calories present in their food,” she adds. “Since cats are carnivores, their bodies do not need any carbohydrates. If the animal lies around all day, these carbohydrates are not used and this can lead to obesity.”

Obesity is a serious disease that can lead to an early death. Obesity is associated with the development of osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiac and respiratory diseases and diseases of the urinary system, including kidney disease and bladder problems. Zoran says it is a pet owner’s responsibility to control the animal’s food intake and foster an environment that encourages exercise. A good way to show your pet some love is to keep it thin and healthy.

Pet Talk is a service of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Puppy Born Green!

Watch the video here.