the top 10 challenges of achieving ideal weight in pets 2016
TRANSCRIPT
Top 10 Challenges of getting and keeping our pets at their ideal weight!
Ken Lambrecht DVMMedical Director
Madison WI
Presented at the WTVC 7th Annual
“Pets Reducing for Rescues” Contest Kickoff
March 5th, 2016
7th Annual “Pets Reducing for Rescues” 2016
1) EMOTIONAL NATURE OF FEEDING PETS!
Modifying Behaviors
Hunger vs Begging
Cats vs dogs
We are all pet owners!!!
They know how to “push our buttons” don’t they?
Some are more challenging than others!
2) IS IT ALL WORTH THE EFFORT?
Pets will FEEL BETTER
They will LIVE LONGER
Cost of pet care WILL BE LESS
RESCUES WILL WIN TOO! ($$$)
http://www.petobesityprevention.com/
http://www.catalystcouncil.org
59% of pets are NOT their ideal weight!
3) ASSESSMENTS & CHOOSING BEST FOOD
ASSESSMENT BCS, % overweight, age etc
% Protein, Calories/cup, ingredients, fillers
Satiety factors
Body Condition Score
Each Body Condition Score (BCS) over/under equals 10 to 15% over/under ideal body weight
Muscle Condition Score (MCS)
Muscle Condition Score (MCS) is especially important in cats and most importantly in cats over 10 years of age
4) HOW MUCH TO FEED
Decide on Ideal Body Weight
Use chart or calculation to get daily Calories
Know Calories/cup/can/gm and protein %
Only 10% treat calories!
Absolutely Essential!
Wouldn’t it be nice to have this for pets?
We are getting close!
5) CONTROLLING TREAT CALORIES
6) MULTIPLE PET CHALLENGES
Just a few solutions
7) HOW IMPORTANT IS EXERCISE ?
9) TRACKING PROGRESS
Weight, BCS, MCS & how they feel!
Weigh at least every 2 weeks
Safe rates : 0.5% to 2% for cats and 1-2% per week for dogs
Previous successes!
10) BENEFITS A PET THAT FEELS BETTER
A PET THAT LIVES LONGER
A PET THAT HAS LESS MEDICAL PROBLEMS
RESCUES BENEFIT!!!
2016 vs 2015 Statistics 36 Dogs 19 “Biggest Losers” & 17 “Iron Dogs” (14 wearing Hey Rex biosensors)
35 Cats (20 Biggest Losers/15 Iron Cats)
4 Dog Packs (33%) & 8 Prides (68%)
2016 – Can we meet/beat our goal of 100 Pets?
What’s new this year?
DCFOF & DCHS “Battle of the Prides”
Veterinary Students & many return contestants!
$3,000 in door prizes for contestants & contestant recruiters!
$2,000 in food prizes from Hills, Purina & Royal Canin
More new/enhanced
We are beta testing weight management technology for dogs & cats (Heyrex, Tailio & Sureflap)
Our contest is being watched internationally by the Pet Nutrition Alliance members and board certified veterinary nutritionists and many cat lovers!
Bugs Gym & Condos!
How can you help us raise more $ for rescues?
1) Matching donations & pledges encouraged!
2) “tag” your neighbors, friends & coworkers
We are still enrolling until Saturday March 12 at noon (a week from today)
3) Form a pack or a pride
3 more ways…
4) All monies from purchase of Sureflap & Torus bowls and Heyrex rentals go to rescues
5) Dog owners… If you are interested in Heyrex (many of last years dog winners used Heyrex) talk to us before you leave today!
6) Share your stories on our FB page
https://www.facebook.com/PRFRIdealWeightContest
Hints from previous winners 1) Weigh your pet weekly2) Strictly follow your veterinarians recommendations3) Exercise is important but measuring is more important!4) Use the right food5) Attend the midpoint weigh in on Wed March 30th
6) Involve the whole family & keep it fun
Let’s help our local rescues by getting our pets healthier!
Thanks to: Our 2016 sponsors: Hills, Heyrex, Isthmus, Patterson, Purina, Royal
Canin, Sentier, Sureflap, Tailio, and Torus!
The PNA and the 87 board certified veterinary nutritionists in the world for your dedication to pet wellness!
The researchers of the 2002 “Purina Study”
https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_220_9_1315.pdf
…and to the WTVC Team & PRFR Community!
Thanks to ALL OF YOU for everything you do to keep your pets in the peak of health and good luck in the contest!
Dr Ken & Bug (aka the amazing adventures of little bug) and the staff of WTVC!