It’s not just me or Dr. Jed–it’s every vet I know. As soon as we mention that Fido is getting a little thick around the middle, our pet owners who seconds ago loved us now stare at us with hatred and resentment in their eyes!
Why is it so hard to talk to pet owners about keeping their pets a reasonable weight?
From dog to hog, from rabbit to cat,
Most pets I treat are relentlessly fat.
True, I have my clients that are happy to hear this and work towards their pet’s optimum weight, but they are in the minority. Not sure if your pet is overweight? Ask a vet!
Today, as obesity in people is unanimously recognized as being dangerous for our heart, liver, kidney, joints, why isn’t obesity in pets given that same recognition, that same warning? Read more
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Tags: Informative Pet Posts, random venting
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5 Comments
I was thinking about this a lot. An old saying came to mind:
“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”
I read another article saying that food doesn’t equal love.
Doesn’t it? We use food to tame an animal. We use food to reward an animal. Clearly food has a very profound meaning. Watch the look on a dog’s face when they’re getting a yummy treat.
Why? Food = survival. Sharing food = love.
I believe that is how we are still programmed deep down.
Trouble starts when there is too much of it.
I think it’s so hard to talk to people about pet obesity because it really translates as questioning their love and devotion to their dogs.
I know, it’s all backwards, but I do believe that is why people are so sensitive to it.
Great insight Jana! That makes a lot of sense actually. I will try approaching it with this in mind.
Nobody wants to hear that they are doing something to harm the very same animal that they love too much to say no to. It’s a contradiction that they don’t care to examine too closely.
It’s like any parent that can’t say no to their little darlings, I suppose, and just as damaging to the ‘child’.
Awww sorry. That’s so hard! He was a bafutieul boy. I can’t even remember a time when I haven’t had a pet. Must be really weird (and short-lived I hope).
I would suggest puittng money ONTO your account at your clinic as a safety net, that way if you need food or medical care for them the money is already there ready for you in case of an emergency. Next time your in for something ask if you can put an additional $20 dollars (or whatever you have available) on there, i know my vet clinic allows it, maybe yours does too.