Pet Obesity

August 24, 2010

Interview with Dr. William Craig D.V.M. CMO of Purina Care Pet Health Insurance

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Mike Carruthers:
If your dog or cat is overweight you should be aware that there are consequences.

Dr. William Craig:
Purina did a long-term study and showed that dogs with ideal body conditions live an average of 15% longer than obese dogs and that’s probably a year and a half to two years longer for your pet.
 

Veterinarian Dr. William Craig Chief Medical Officer for Purina Care Pet Health Insurance says pet obesity has become a big problem.

And one of the problems is a nice big scoop of ice cream for us is an enormous scoop of ice cream for a 20 pound dog. And one thing about obesity in dogs and cats the dog can’t go to the refrigerator, open it and get a hot dog. So it is a matter of our self-control more than the pet’s self-control.

Obesity in pets causes many of the same problems as obesity in people.

Joints and bones were meant to carry a certain amount of weight and if you add extra weight its additional stress so early onset of arthritis is a big problem, disc herniations in the back, torn ligaments in the knees.

Although pet owners don’t really want to hear this in order for your dog or cat to live a long and healthy life…

I would say no table scraps; period and I know nobody’s going to follow that guideline but as a Veterinarian I have to make that recommendation. Table scraps tend to be high in fat and salt and really aren’t going to be a balanced diet for the dog or cat.

To hear the complete unedited interview, click here