A Cross Country Trip to Help Hefty Hounds

Hill's Petfit Mobile Tour

Is your pooch a bit pudgy? If so, you're not alone. There are about 48 million overweight dogs and cats living in the United States alone -- a startling 35 percent of the entire pet population. While a little extra meat on the bones may not seem such a big deal to the average biped, just a few extra pounds on a pooch can be detrimental to his overall health. A recent report by Hill's Pet Nutrition finds that, "just five extra pounds on a medium size breed like a Beagle is the equivalent of nearly 25 pounds on an average woman."

A healthy diet and regular exercise routine is essential to managing your pet's wellness. Not sure whether or not your furry friend should loose a few? Find out by taking him to the Hill's PetFit Mobile for a free weight and diet assessment. Catch the doggy diet caravan on the following dates:

* San Francisco, CA (January 19 through February 11)
* Los Angeles, CA (February 14 through March 4)
* Phoenix, AZ (March 9 through March 31)
* Washington, DC (April 7 through April 29)
* New York, NY (May 2 through May 22)
* Chicago, IL (May 26 through June 16)

Visit www.petfit.com for more information.

Photo found on Flickr

Drugs for Dogs

This Week in Canine Wellness

Slentrol, the first veterinary-approved drug to treat canine obesity has been deemed safe and effective by the FDA. The drug, released late last week by Pfizer Animal Health is the first of its kind on the US market.

At home, domestic pet obesity looms large, with 40 percent of American dogs overweight—a shocking figure amounting to nearly 17 million pups. Dr. Claudia A. Kirk of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee attributes the obesity epidemic to the idea that, “in our culture, we often equate food with love - without being aware of potential adverse health consequences. For both pet owners and veterinarians trying to manage a dog's weight, these habits can be a source of genuine frustration."

While the best medicine for canine wellbeing is still a healthy diet and exercise, Slentrol offers an additional tool to combat canine obesity on a chemical level.

For more details, click here

British Pooch Sheds Major Pounds

Once a porky pooch, Pongo is now trim and active after loosing 20 lbs and winning the Pet Fit Club slimming award. This British Bowzer lost the 20 lbs over the course of a 100 day competition between 9 chubby canines (think The Biggest Loser with quadrupeds). Before joining the weight loss challenge, Pongo weighed in at a hefty 88 lbs.

Owner Roy Goodall commented, “All I wanted was for him to have a happier and healthier lifestyle and I hope that our success story will inspire anyone else with overweight pets to help them slim down."

The holidays tend to be a time for indulgence. This coming week be conscious of the quantity and type of food you provide your canine. Resist the temptation to offer tasty morsels of “people food” and remember to preserve your pup’s regular exercise routine.

From the whole Signafur crew, have a great weekend and a very happy holiday!

Photo thanks to BBC.com