Image Up Advertising & Design

COMMUNITY NEWS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2015 9 By Teri DiMarino-Davidson So, how are we all doing with our New Year's resolutions? It's been a month since our entry into 2015 and promises of dieting, exercise and weight loss all seem a distant memory to many. We all make promises and many of us include our pudgy pets in those well- intended undertakings. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (www.petobesityprevention.org) 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Just like their human counterparts, obesity is the number one preventable medical condition seen in veterinary hospitals today. Just like us, overweight pets have a higher occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. And, just like us, the culprits are too much high calorie foods and snacks coupled with a lack of exercise. The suggested serving size of commercially prepared food listed on the package to feed your pet is, many times, too much. You may be overfeeding them. Then, we pile on the table scraps, treats and chewies. It is a good idea to measure it out and include everything they may get; including after dinner treats and snacks. You will be quite surprised at how much we actually feed our pets. Low calorie, high fiber foods are available to help in the canine battle of the bulge. Instinctively, dogs are opportunistic feeders. Compared to humans, they have proportionately larger stomachs. In the wild, this enables them to eat larger quantities of food when it comes available, as they never know when their next meal may arrive. This instinct remains today as some dogs (and cats) are content totally filling up at each feeding because food is always offered. They continue to eat as if each meal could be their last. Some overweight dogs are deemed picky eaters because they will not eat their regular rations. Their owners enhance the food with tidbits to entice eating. Simply put, if a dog does not eat, they are not hungry. Treats should be offered sparingly. Instead of the cookies, carrots or raw green beans are a healthy alternative. I am the owner of two cats. One is a normal, healthy weight while the other is a "two-ton tabby." Many of us feline owners free-feed our cats, meaning that we leave food down all the time and they pick at it all day. While this works for some animals, others take advantage of the situation. It is extremely difficult to force a diet onto one cat when the other is of ideal weight. I have found that if I feed my cats in the evening they each eat their fill and I get a good night's sleep. You know what they say: "If your dog is overweight, you are not getting enough exercise." Cats can be exercised by simply enhancing their toy pile or catnip stash. My fat cat loves to chase a laser light and it gets her up and moving. Walking your dog does so much more than just exercise for the both of you. The social aspect of getting out is good for everybody! Dear Tabby… I do not own a dog, but I can't help but notice that some people refuse to pick up after their dog's "messes" on the sidewalks or walking trails. This is unsanitary, unsightly and not very neighborly. Please mention something so our pet owners can be more aware of this issue. Signed, "Mad About Messes in the Meadow" Dear "Meadow Mess," I agree. There is nothing more disgusting than having your walk interrupted by a misplaced step into someone else's "pet package." I really think people just need to be reminded every now and then. Having dogs myself, I know when they suddenly stop to do their business and am prepared for it, carrying the appropriate clean-up baggies. Please know that the vast majority of residents in Four Seasons are good about picking up after their dogs. But, like anything else, there are the few who think the rules, or in this case, common courtesy, do not apply to them. I have caught and chastised people allowing their dogs to dump their load and walk away. Excuses of "I don't have a bag" are lame, at best. If you take your dog out… take a baggie. If you are far away from one of our pet bag stations, ask another dog walker. Most of us usually carry multiple bags and are happy to share. Be a good Four Seasons neighbor… clean up after your dog. Send your pet questions to DearTabby1@aol.com. Pudgy Pets and Messes in the Meadow

• Cover