Did you know that an estimated 54% of all dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese? Just like humans, many dogs AND cats have fallen victim to a sedentary lifestyle and ‘junk food’ diets. Obesity in pets can lead to osteoarthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer and a decreased life expectancy. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention created the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day eight years ago to bring to awareness to this horrible truth.

This October take an honest look at your pet. Could your pet use some more exercise and maybe a change in diet? Make October 8^th the day you vow to change your pet’s life.

Did you know that just accurately measuring out your pet’s food can make a huge difference? Don’t eye your pets kibble, just a quarter of a cup of kibble over each meal can mean the difference between a healthy weight and an overweight pet.

For some pets the type of food they eat is a factor. Did you know a pet fed a raw or wet diet instead of a kibble diet is more likely to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight if fed correctly? Carbs and sugars that bind food together in kibble can add to those that are prone to putting on weight. Raw foods are high in lean high quality proteins and low in carbs. Raw food diets can help your pet drop the weight and keep a healthy lean physique. Stop in to a Kriser’s today and ask a Pack Member to give you some help in finding the right food for your pet.

Along with food comes the need for adequate physical activity. Join in on National Walk Your Dog Week this month to get you and your pet started on a regular walking regimen. Just a thirty-minute walk up to three times a week can dramatically impact your pet’s weight and physical health. You can also look in to getting your pet involved in a local agility or nose work course. You and your pet will have so much fun navigating the course, they won’t even know they are getting a work out. For cats, ask a Kriser’s Pack Member to show you some of the great new interactive cat toys that will get your feline up and playing.  They will think they’re hunting while you know they are running, jumping and getting in shape.