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PET HEALTH TEN TOP
CONCERNS: THE WAYS
TO PREVENT OR RESOLVE THEM
by dr. patrick mahaney, vmd, cva, cvj 26 RAGE monthly | AUGUST 2017
Having worked in clinical practice as a veterinarian since 1999, I’ve observed
the trends of illness and wellness among my canine and feline patients. I’ve survived the intensity of an internship, experienced the vast variety of presenting illnesses in general practice, witnessed extreme states of sickness during emergency shifts and now provide an integrative approach to holistic approach to pet health on a house call basis through California Pet Acupunc- ture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc. My own perspective on veterinary medicine has evolved over the years
and has led me to develop my own perspective on what I feel are the most important aspects of care provision that pet owners should prioritize.
To further delve into this topic, I created a list of the “Ten Top Pet Health Concerns” and “The Ways to Prevent or Resolve Them:”
1. PREVENT OBESITY VIA CALORIE RESTRICTION
AND EXERCISE. 59 percent of cats and dogs (approximately 92 million pets) in the United States
are overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). Painful and mobility-compromising arthritis and ailments affecting the cardiovascular (heart, blood vessels, etc.) and metabolic (endocrine glands) systems like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and liver disease, hypothyroidism and others can be avoided or minimized when a pet maintains a normal body condition score on a lifelong basis. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Body Condition Scoring Chart helps pet owners and veterinarians determine a dog or cat’s Body Condition Score (BCS) and if weight loss is needed. Always practice portion control when feeding your pet by using a metric measuring
cup and feeding less than the recommended volume given on the packaging. Research has proven that dogs consuming calorie-restricted diets live two years longer than those lacking calorie restriction and also have reduced incidence of obesity-related health problems. Additionally, make physical activity a daily priority for your pet. Besides benefitting
the body, exercise provides behavioral stimulation that helps suffice a pet’s need for interaction and strengthens the pet-owner bond.
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