This picture should break your heart.  Better yet, if your cat looks like this, you should be ashamed of yourself.

This is animal cruelty, plain and simple.  Not only is there an obesity epidemic out there with humans, it is now affecting our pets and shortening their lives as well.

According to a 2009 report from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, (APOP), 45% of all dogs and 58% of cats in North America are too heavy.  This obesity is also affecting them health-wise, just like it does with us.  They are being diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease and various cancers at an alarming rate, all in the name of love.  We love our pets so much that we are killing them with kindness.

What is the #1 enemy of our furry friends? 

Pet treats.  We give them treats with reckless abandon.  Whether it is table scraps slipped to them under the table during dinner or commercial products that we purchase at the store, they are not good for the animals and we must stop.  Don’t let their sad little “doey” eyes get to you.  They don’t need them.

Here are some other hints for keeping your pet well and living a long and healthy life:

1.  Fresh, filtered water changed frequently during the day. 

2.  Read the labels on their food.  If you can’t pronounce the ingredient or don’t know what it is, don’t feed it to your pet.  A lot of pet food companies are not required to make human-grade food.  It is often low in nutrients and high in additives and preservatives.  If it is not fit for your consumption, it shouldn’t be for your pet either.

3.  Read the “best before” dates on a bag of food as it will go rancid and stale after 3 months.  Canned food does not have an expiration date (I wonder why??), so watch the ingredients.

4.  Don’t buy a product if it contains corn, wheat, gluten, rice bran, by-products (usually feathers, feet and heads) or beet pulp (causes hardened stools and is high in sugar).

5.  Watch out for the toys that contain synthetic fabrics, plastic and harmful dyes.  Anything small can also get caught in their throat.  (Just ask Oprah.)

6.  Call me for some other more specific hints.

The best idea is to purchase everything you need for your pet at a reputable natural health pet store as they will give you the best advice for top quality products.  The food might be a little higher in price but you will save on vet bills in the long run.

If you want your friend to be around for a long time (they should live for at least 20 years) then pay attention to their weight and don’t feed them with reckless abandon.  You and your pet will be happy for years to come.

Janet Woods is a Doctor of Natural Medicine practising in Peterborough and the Kawathas.