Summer’s Over but Fitness Opportunities for You and Your Pet Remain Ongoing
ST. LOUIS-(Business Wire)-September 8, 2009 - The kickoff of autumn and heading back to school can be an exciting time for families, but not necessarily for pets. Outdoor activities such as picnics, sports, long walks and visiting neighbors might be significantly curtailed. It is important to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from lack of exercise or engagement with the family, especially when his or her health is at stake.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 50 percent of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese.1 Pet obesity, as it is for their owners, is largely preventable. So despite the end of summer, get outside and make time for family activities that involve your pet. And join some of your fellow pet owners throughout the country in rising to the Challenge.
The OM Weight-Loss Challenge is under way and will run through Nov. 30. Purina® is making it a great time to start a weight management program with a $10 rebate on a purchase of Purina Veterinary Diets® OM Overweight Management® Canine or Feline Formula, or a $12 rebate on purchases of both OM and Purina Veterinary Diets® Lite Snackers® Canine Treats, for qualifying pets. OM Canine and Feline Formulas are low-fat, low-calorie diets designed to facilitate weight loss. Both are available in canned and dry formulas, with high protein to help maintain lean body mass and optimal levels of fiber to help dogs and cats feel satisfied. Lite Snackers are low-calorie, low-fat snacks that are a perfect complement to OM.
Obesity has long-term health effects
Today, obesity affects pets on the same scale as their owners, triggering serious health conditions that impact quality of life and life span. One way you can help your pet get back on track or, better yet, avoid weight issues altogether, is by feeding responsibly. A groundbreaking 14-year study by Nestlé Purina researchers showed that dogs fed to an ideal body condition* throughout their lives extended healthy years by 1.8 years and were healthier than their littermates.2
As with people, obesity and the health conditions it can trigger — including diabetes and osteoarthritis — reduce quality of life and even life span for many pets. “Veterinarians often see lethargy and discomfort in dogs and cats that are overweight,” said Grace Long, DVM, MS, MBA, director, veterinary technical marketing, Nestlé Purina PetCare. “They realize the consequences that carrying even a few extra pounds can have on a pet’s health, such as the onset of serious chronic conditions and the negative impact on quality and duration of life. For a number of pet owners, a program such as the OM Weight-Loss Challenge provides a definitive starting point, plus the ongoing help and support they need, to help them help their pets achieve successful weight loss.”
How the Weight-Loss Challenge works
Before beginning the OM Weight-Loss Challenge, owners should take their pets to a veterinarian for a thorough health assessment. After reviewing a nutritional history for each pet, the veterinarian will make dietary and activity recommendations. Qualifying pets may be placed on OM Overweight Management® Canine or Feline Formula — sold exclusively through veterinarians. Their owners will receive pet weight-loss tips, and some clinics may offer helpful tools, such as feeding cups to accurately measure portion size. Owners are encouraged to return to the clinic with their pets at 30-, 60- and 90-day intervals to measure weight-loss progress and assess health.
“With busy family and work lives, sticking with a pet weight-loss program can be difficult,” said Long. “The OM Weight-Loss Challenge provides the structure and veterinary team support many owners need to stay on track.”
To find out more about the OM Weight-Loss Challenge, pet owners can visit http://purinaveterinarydiets.com/challenge/
About Nestlé Purina
A global leader in the pet food industry, Nestlé Purina PetCare produces Purina Veterinary Diets®, nutritional products formulated for the dietary management of dogs and cats with certain health problems. Each diet provides a proper balance of total nutrients while meeting special dietary needs. They are available exclusively through veterinarians.
*Lean or ideal body condition refers to the evaluation of body physique in pets as an indicator of their overall health and well-being, generally falling into three categories: too heavy, ideal and too thin.
1. Information courtesy of petobesityprevention.com.
2. JAVMA, Vol. 220, No. 9, May 1, 2002, pp. 1315-1320.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Search Our News Using Google Search
Can't find what you want? Try using Google:
