The Pet Friendly Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
www.petfriendly.ca - pet-friendly lodging in Canada
www.petfriendly.travel - pet-friendly hotels in the USA
www.pawfriendly.com - Pet Lovers Community

November 2007

This newsletter is available by subscription only. To manage your subscription, please follow the directions at the end of this newsletter.

A few years ago I met a sweet but vastly overweight dog. She was so overweight that she had to rock back and forth several times before she could get to her feet. Walking a short distance of just a few meters was a big ordeal for her and she would pant heavily with the exertion. She was re-homed into a new family and I met her again after she'd been with them for several months. What a difference! She had lost most of the excess weight and was a happy, bouncy, and joyful dog, thrilled to be out and about and able to run around. Many dogs will eat nearly anything, and will eat as much as you let them. But obesity isn't kind - it can lead to all sorts of health issues and prevent your dog from fully enjoying life as a dog. This issue's featured article offers a few tips on how to keep your pet at a healthy weight. Here are a couple more resources help keep your furry friend active: > Dog parks & beaches > Dog walkers and other pet services As always, we welcome your pet photos! Please send them to us and you could see them in a future issue of this newsletter. See you next month!

PET QUOTES

"A well-trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it." (Helen Thomson) "When dogs leap onto your bed, it's because they adore being with you. When cats leap onto your bed, it's because they adore your bed." (Alisha Everett)

PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS

"These 3 wise Westies take having their picture taken very seriously. In the middle is Can/Am Champion Scoreybrek Sailor Boy (aka Frankie), on the left is Frankie's son Saylor, and on the right is their friend and neighbor Jordy." - Jack B. of Toronto, Ontario

"Here is a photo of my dogs, Cash and Rutt. They are best buds and have been together since they were 3 months old. It was a sunny but cool crisp morning when they moved from their houses in the shade out to the yard with the sun to continue sleeping..." - Chrystal S. of Alliston, Ontario

"Zeke and Belle! Zeke's the big puppy and Belle is 9 years old." - Heather of Windsor, Ontario

"From left to right on our cottage sofa are Bella in her happy position, her daughters Mara and Csillag completely zoned, and Uncle Theo wondering why we had the camera out again. Being Pugs their best moments are just laying around with their people so they loved night time when we were all playing games or reading and they could just cuddle in. Thanks again for you service, we have made several trips booking through information you provided." - Pat G. of London, Ontario

Want to see your pet here? Send us your photos!

OBESITY IN DOGS

Dogs are master manipulators... those pleading eyes or a cutely raised paw can quickly convince pet owners to give their pets a "little treat". Unfortunately, those little treats begin to add up - and too many calories can lead to fat dogs. There's a myth that spaying or neutering your dog makes it fat. This is just an excuse. There are many spayed and neutered pets who are in good body condition. The key is providing your pet with adequate exercise and the appropriate number of calories. Why bother to go through the hassle of keeping your dog in sleek shape? What's wrong with a few extra pounds? Aside from missing out on the fun of an active dog life (rolling in the grass, romping through the woods, frolicking with other canine friends, etc), obesity can lead to: Joint problems - the extra weight puts more demand on joints that weren't meant to handle it. Extra stress on heart and on lungs, which need to work harder. Breathing problems. Greater susceptibility to injuries. Heat intolerance. Health risks such as diabetes. Some pet's weight issues may actually be due to medical reasons. In these cases your veterinarian will be able to advise you best on how to keep your pet as healthy as possible. Otherwise, here are a few ways you can help your dog maintain a healthy body weight: Use the guides on the back of food packages only as a suggestion. You will need to find the right amount to feed your dog so that he keeps a healthy weight, which may differ from what's stated on the package. Measure your pet's food. It's easy to feed too much when you're just 'eye-balling' the portion. Don't "free feed". That is, don't leave food accessible all the time. Many dogs will overeat just because it's available. Take into account the number of treat(s) you offer your dog. If your dog gets more than the usual treats one day, cut back on the amount you feed him for his next meal. Ask guests or other pet owners you meet at the park not to give your dog treats unless you okay it first. Once you know how many treats he's had you can adjust his meals accordingly. Provided your vet says that your dog is in appropriate health, then exercise your dog regularly. It will help to keep your dog's joints lubricated and healthy, and maintain his muscles (note: putting your dog in the yard by himself isn't "exercise"!). Regular exercise is best, rather than the occasional strenuous hike or play time. Exercising your dog will also give you the opportunity to bond with your pet. And it's fun! Watching a dog bounding joyfully down a trail or rolling ecstatically in the grass is a great stress reliever. Regular exercise and appropriate nutrition will help your four-legged pal to lead a long, healthy, and happy life.

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

Dec 9/07: Calgary, Alberta: the Calgary Humane Society's 28th annual Christmas Party for the Animals will include favourites from the past such a visit from Santa, refreshments and tasty treats, plus some new activities. More info If your non-profit pet organization is holding an event, please send us the details!

SUBSCRIPTION MANAGEMENT

This newsletter is available by subscription only. PetFriendly Canada is dedicated to customer service and privacy. We will not sell, trade, or rent your email address to any other individual or company. First Name:     Email: Subscribe Unsubscribe We hope you enjoyed your visit to the Pet Friendly Canada website!