Obesity/Body Condition
As with humans, obesity is an ever-growing problem for pets that can impair heart and breathing functions, lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and ultimately even shorten their life span. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not recognize that their pets are overweight, which is why it is important to visit a veterinarian for a weigh-in and body condition score. If necessary, your veterinarian will prescribe a weight-loss plan for your dog or cat.

Other things you can do to keep your pet eating healthy are:

• Read the pet food label for recommended daily portions based on your pet’s size. Many Purina packages include body condition illustrations to help you assess your own pet. Remember, it is more important to feed to ideal body condition than to a certain weight.


• Feed the pet, not the bowl. Use a measuring cup so you know exactly how much food you are serving.


• Perform a weekly rib check on your pet to ensure you can easily feel his ribs. For complete information on performing a rib check, go to www.purina.com.

Preventative Care
Pets should receive thorough veterinary exams on a regular basis to identify potential problems and provide preventative treatments. These visits include physical examinations, blood and stool samples as well as vaccinations and booster shots. Whether indoor or outdoor, all pets should receive appropriate vaccinations and medication for heartworms and/or other parasites. Regular dental care for your pet – including at-home brushing as well as veterinary checkups – is another important part of overall health.

Training
One of the main reasons pets are surrendered to shelters – and in some cases subsequently euthanized – is due to behavior problems. Proper obedience training and socialization are important elements to your pet’s health and well-being, as well as your relationship with your pet. Many local shelters and humane societies offer obedience training at a nominal cost.

Environmental Issues
Pet owners need to be aware of the environmental factors affecting their pet and take measures to alter or improve elements whenever possible:

Home: Take an assessment of your home. Do you have enough room for your pet to play and exercise? Are you a smoker? Do you have poisonous plants or chemicals within reach? All of these elements have potential negative affects on your pet’s health.

Community: In addition to your home, it’s important to understand your community’s requirements for pets including licensing, rabies vaccination and spaying/neutering. Lend your voice on issues affecting pets in your area or volunteer at your local humane society or animal shelter.

Spaying/Neutering
According to a 2000 Purina Pet Institute survey, more than one third of dog owners have not had their pets spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering your pet can provide health benefits: spayed females are less likely to develop uterine infections and mammary tumors while neutered males have a reduced risk of developing prostate infections or testicular cancer. Spaying or neutering is also the best way to help reduce the millions of unwanted pets that are euthanized each year.