Did you know that in the United States close to 50% of the dogs and cats are either overweight or obese. (The statistics are pretty similar to our owners, but for now we’ll limit our discussion to those of the canine or feline persuasion).

Obesity can significantly shorten our pets’ lives by increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and cancer. It can also result in poorer quality of life  due to arthritis, disk disease, lethargy, and exercise intolerance.

We know that you love your dogs and cats and we know that you demonstrate that love through the food and treats that you give them. But, on behalf of all of your pets, we implore you: Love them, but be tough!

Your pet doesn’t want to look like a furry watermelon on legs. They don’t want to be couch potatoes, feline fatsos, or doggie dumbos. Feed them what they need, not necessarily what they want. Don’t be afraid to leave the bowl empty until it’s time for the next meal. If it is always full, your pet will be tempted to eat more than he should.
Don’t be manipulated by our whining and meowing or sad eyes. Don’t allow them to beg and bother you while you are eating. Despite their pleading, don’t feed your pet everything that you eat. Love then, be tough. Just say no.

Pets cannot be held responsible for their actions or desires. They can’t be trusted to exercise self control or dietary discretion. Nor can they open the refrigerator, operate a can opener or fill their own bowls. Your pets’ lives are in your hands. You dictate what and how much they eat. You determine how much exercise they get. More exercise please. Fewer calories, por favor. Love them: be tough.

Determine what your pet weighs, and then find out what he should weigh. If your pet is overweight or obese, in most cases, it is simply because he is consuming more calories than he is burning. Cut back on food, cut back on treats, feed a lower calorie diet. Pets don’t have to lose all the weight at once, but don’t let their lives be shortened because you are afraid to be tough.  Love them. Don’t kill them with kindness.

We want your pets to live long, happy, healthy lives with you. We know that you want your pets wagging their tails and purring just as long as possible. We know you love them, be tough.