Winter Edition - Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

TO THEIR HEALTH...
by Dr. Elizabeth M. Bybee, DVM
Pet Obesity – A “Growing” Problem
Almost half of the pets in the U.S. are overweight, but very
few people believe that their pet has a problem. Unfortunately,
pudgy pets are mistakenly called normal, and fit animals are
thought undernourished. A healthy dog or cat should have an
hourglass shape with a visible waist. The last two or three ribs
should be palpable, yet not seen.
Obesity is a concern because overweight pets are more
prone to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, skin disease, and
heat exhaustion. Research has revealed that excess weight
may reduce our pets’ quality of life and their longevity by two
years or more.
If a pet is overweight, the first step to weight reduction
should include a frank family discussion to determine all food
sources. This includes meals, all snacks, and any "stolen" food.
A sincere commitment is required from everyone, after all it is
the people who overfeed and need to change their behavior.
The second step is a visit to your veterinarian. Your pet’s
examination may reveal any health concerns, such as heart
disease or arthritis. A blood test may be needed to rule out endocrine
or metabolic disease. Your pet’s age, sex, health status,
and activity level must be considered when selecting a diet.
The veterinarian consultation should include a realistic goal
weight, diet recommendations, feeding guidelines, and any
medication or nutritional supplementation that may be helpful.
Adequate, complete nutrition cannot be compromised as
we reduce excess calories. Cats are especially sensitive to food
changes. A safe, gradual weight loss of 1% of body weight per
month is very realistic.
The third step of the plan is an attitude adjustment for the
"feeders" in the family. Food does NOT equal love. If a food
treat is appropriate, give a piece of the treat, not the whole
thing. Learn to "treat" your pet with your time and activities.
They will love the attention, and the increased play and exercise
will help to keep them young and healthy.
80 dogs were vaccinated at the Fellsmere
vaccination clinic held on August 29th
Staff, volunteers, and Drs. Killpatrick,
Bybee, and Soule assisted with the clinic
A "cats only" vaccination clinic was held at
the Shelter on October 17th
by Laurie Iodice, Volunteer Cat Specialist
Petting-Induced Aggression
You’re sitting in your favorite chair
watching TV, and kitty jumps into your
lap. While repeatedly stroking her, all of a
sudden you find her teeth clamped onto
your hand. Ouch! What just happened?
This behavior is called petting-induced aggression.
You may think this attack came
from out of nowhere, but it is more likely
that your cat was giving you warning signs
ahead of time.
Most cats enjoy being petted but may
have definite tolerance thresholds. Overstimulation (by repeated
stroking) or contact confusion (from touching kitty as she is
getting sleepy) can set your cat into survival instinct mode. She
bites or scratches to get away—too much contact!
You may be convinced that this behavior is totally unprovoked
but your cat will give you body language
signals like a thumping tail, flattened
ears, rippling skin, low growling, or tense
posture. From the cat’s point of view, she's
been giving you plenty of notice that she is
no longer enjoying being petted. You haven’t
been paying attention to her warnings, so
she needs to be more forceful.
These are some suggestions for the best
way to handle this problem: Pet for shorter
periods. Try stroking your cat two or three
times and stop. Use different petting motions (gliding, waving, circling,
flicking, kneading, or rubbing), and stick to areas you know
she likes. Sometimes lightly resting your hand on her body, with
no movement, will be enough. Be conservative with your stroking
and petting; always leave your kitty wanting more.
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