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I regularly care for a pretty cool pooch named Rocky. He's fabulous. An oldster in so many ways (he's seventeen), but then he gets this fun spunk every so often in the form of a burst of youthful exuberance. He's sweet on the inside, but a grumpy old man on the outside.
One of Rocky's favorite pastimes is a good, solid nap. I captured one of his famous siestas the last time he stayed with us. It's pretty good for a laugh, so I thought I'd share.
He's pretty lovable, isn't he?
Although summer is approaching and we may be thinking about how we are going to get swimsuit-ready in a hurry, it's not about appearances for overweight cats and overweight dogs. It can be a matter of life and death. So as we're contemplating how to minimize our winter layers, let's discuss cat weight loss and dog weight loss, as well.
Even just a couple of extra pounds on a cat or small dog can cause serious health concerns. And if the pet packs on even more than that, the problems compound tremendously. It can be difficult to deprive our pets of the food and treats. For some, meal time and treat time are the highlights of their day. I can remember how my father used to call our dogs after the human dinner: "leeeeeeeft-OVERS!" He'd actually make them a plate of whatever food we hadn't consumed. I cringe when I think about it, now. I'm certain that the joy he felt when he saw those wagging tails was even greater than that of the furry diners. He was making them happy, which made him happy. He didn't think about the cost to their health.
I know. We love them no matter what. Absolutely! But shouldn't we love them into health?
I wish Hills® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution had been around then. I'm not certain it would have curbed my father's habits, but I'm sure it would have helped manage our pets' weight. Though our pets were quite active and only slightly pudgy, some animals get caught in a cycle of inactivity and overeating that becomes more serious. Their lifestyle suffers as they continue to eat the amount and types of food and treats they are accustomed to, gain weight, have difficulty moving, and then become increasingly sedentary. They just don't feel good, and it's no fun to run and play when you're feeling weighed down. This can affect the interactions we have with our pets, and it can effect their longevity. Our pets deserve an active life filled with love and fun. No one wants to lose a friend at all, much less prematurely.
I was touched to tears when I heard about Bear, a dog who got stuck in this cycle. When things really seemed hopeless and his family was running out of options, their vet recommended Hills® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution. And (SPOILER ALERT) it saved his life. Check out Bear's Story:
One of the main reasons this diet was so successful for Bear is that he wasn't deprived. He got to eat a healthy portion of food and even received treats. So how does it work? Hill's® explains "while eating Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution, an overweight animal's metabolism changes to act more like that of a lean animal." And that efficient energy metabolism profile is maintained even after the "excess" weight is lost. Hill's® adds that this program "provides clinically proven nutrition that naturally activates metabolism to burn calories and regulate appetite." Truly amazing. I'm so happy for Bear and his family.
And he's not the only one! Check out Gracie!
If she's not bikini-ready, I don't know who is!
Like any successful diet, it's not about deprivation. It's about health. And we all could use a treat now and then.
A diet with treats? Sign me up! Oh, whoops...it's not for me...sign your pet up!
Hills® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution has been formulated for both cats and dogs. Please check out the following links for additional information.
is your pet overweight? let's get real with #HillsPet #giveaway #sponsored
This post is sponsored by Hill's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Food, but well minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., is not responsible for the content of this article.
My kids say the darndest things.
Yes. I'm one of those moms that thinks everyone will definitely without a doubt certainly be interested in what Porter (7) and Campbell (5) have to say about any topic. I don't often tell the tales here on the blog (I tell them elsewhere), but last night, as I was reading my children a bedtime story, my phone was "all atwitter" (I had the phone on vibrate, and I wasn't looking at it...don't judge). There was a pause in the action, and then we heard another "buzz."
Me: Sheesh! Sorry, guys. I need to get this phone out of here.
Cam: He he hee he he heeee heeeee HEH Heh Heeee. It wasn't your phone, mommy. It was a TOOT!
Po: hashtag "booty"
Cam: hashtag "itwasthedog"
Po: hashtag "yeahright"
Cam: hashtag "stinky"
Po: hashtag "seriously"
Me: hashtag "gotobed"
I think boxing and cage fighting are ridiculous "sports." People have tried to explain to me the strategy involved and how physically fit these people have to be. I can appreciate their fitness, but, beyond that, I'm stumped. Why would people intentionally beat the shit out of each other for "sport?"
At least in boxing and cage fighting, the participants are willing and able to make the choice to fight or not to fight.
This is not true of dog fighting. Participants are raised as products in miserable conditions and are made to fight whether they like it or not. Kill or be killed. They don't have a choice.
The ASPCA has officially designated April 8th as National Dog Fighting Awareness Day to raise awareness about dog fighting brutality. They are hosting a Google+ Hangout with national experts to discuss the underground world of dog fighting. It will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about the blood sport that is far more prevalent in America than most realize. During the Google+ Hangout, there will be live social media Q&As across Facebook, Twitter and Google+ in which users will be able to submit questions about dog fighting with the hashtag #NDFAD, and a panel of ASPCA experts–moderated by ABC News anchor Dan Harris–will be answering them–live.
In addition, ASPCA.org will feature a wealth of interactive information and an advocacy center on ASPCA.org that includes:
• The premiere of a never-before seen short documentary, including undercover footage of dog fights, ASPCA rescue activity at dog fighting raids, and expert insight
• An interactive quiz that debunks common misconceptions about dog fighting and the dogs and people involved in this "sport"
• A "virtual museum" photo gallery of dog fighting and training paraphernalia, including dog treadmills, fighting pits, and narcotics used to increase aggression before a fight
• Profiles of dog fighting victims rescued by the ASPCA
The ASPCA states that "the goal of National Dog Fighting Awareness Day is to elevate the perception of dog fighting from an isolated criminal act to a deep and persistent stain on our national character."
Please join me at the Google+ Hangout on the 8th from 7-8 p.m. EST.
The ASPCA has generously offered Well Minded readers the opportunity to win a National Dog Fighting Awareness Day gift pack. Please enter, spread the word and support this important cause!
I have a confession to make.
It's not something I advertise or want my clients to know. In fact, I go to great length to hide this fact from new clients, especially:
I am a professional pet sitter and pet blogger who is allergic to animals.
Huh?
Yes, you heard me correctly.
This fact that I have not revealed publicly came to mind recently because I had a consult with a lovely, yet exuberant, English Bulldog who I was pretty darn allergic to. She basically wanted to make out, and, of course, I wanted to, too! I did pet her lots, which I intend to do during each and every visit, but I had to do my best to hide my "disease" to her human parents. During our discussion of the ins-and-outs of this pooch's routine, I fought back the sneezes. As soon as I sneeze once, it's all over. Best to keep it under wraps, if possible. I let my eyes water a bit, instead. I feel like if my allergy is apparent during a consult (when it is likely at its worst), my new clients might feel I'm less than capable or feel insulted that I think their animal is "dirty," neither of which is the case.
When I left the consult, the insides of my arms were welted up from the cuddles and my cheek was red from kisses. Sigh.
Does this stop me? No way! I am madly in love with this dog already. She'll get kisses and pets from me no matter what. It's part of the job. And, besides, I love it.
The good news? The more I pet and kiss her, the better things will be. My method of treating this allergy is to build up a natural tolerance. I do not take medication. I am lucky because my allergy to animals does not affect my breathing. Those who have trouble breathing around animals should not use this method.
treating my animal allergies through exposure
This is my inside forearm a couple of hours after my consult.
My allergy is primarily a contact allergy, accompanied by sneezing. That means that my skin welts up and itches in areas where I've had contact with the animal's fur or saliva. You can tell when I've been "making out" with an animal because I come home with a fat lip and itchy arms. The worst is when I accidentally rub my eyes after petting an animal. Itchy, puffy eyes result, and the symptoms take hours to subside.
Instead of popping pills or taking injections, I treat my allergy by increasing my contact with these animals and building up a tolerance. I know...sounds crazy. It's a bit uncomfortable at first, but, in the long run, it's effective! I am not at all allergic to my own pets or those I see on a regular basis. I have lots of contact with them, and my immune system has built up a tolerance.
I am most allergic to dogs, cats, small caged animals, horses, and goats. I am also highly allergic to hay, so any animal who eats hay is a double-whammy (horses, guinea pigs, etc.). Brand-new clients definitely have a break-in period for me. I just love on them as much as possible, and after a few visits, things get better. My body fights off the allergen. I also notice that certain dog breeds cause a more severe allergic reaction in me than others. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about fur length. It's about dander and saliva. Frequent grooming helps, but only a little.
The toughest breeds for me are labs and retrievers because their skin typically carries a lot of dander, even when groomed well. Bulldogs and pugs, and other flat-faced breeds are also tough because they typically rub and project saliva on to those around them. Do I love these breeds any less? ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact, they are some of my favorites!
Thankfully, I am not allergic to fish, reptiles, or birds.
So, yes, I'm a pet sitter and pet blogger who is allergic to pets, and I treat my symptoms naturally, if unconventionally. Please don't hold it against me.
