Overweight Pets

Overweight Pets
Our pets are very important family members. Some people go to extremes.
They pamper their pets which leads to their pet's obesity.
The statistics are unbelievable. An estimated 40% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight and or obese.

The problem with overweight pets is we seem to want to satisfy what we feel is the right thing to do by feeding them when we eat, giving them a snack every time we think they deserve one, or looking into their eyes and rationalizing to ourselves that they want food. In all reality they only want attention and to be a part of our lives. We do this so often, however, that they get into a habit of using the puppy dog eyes, or using the purring and cuddling, just to get that extra bit of food, or snack!
Another area of concern is this:
We had a long day, we're tired, so after we get in from work we think about ourselves, get our snacks, (give them one or two), sit down in front of the television, computer, which ever. After several hours pass, we look around and find a few spots on the floor where someone has gone to the restroom and we get upset. In all reality once again, we failed in doing our part in keeping our pets healthy.
1. We gave them snacks for just being there.
2. We neglected their health by not taking them out in which case they have been forced to hold it in all day, (dogs).
3. We neglected the part about a daily exercise for our pets.
4. We failed the pet owner code of ethics in not accepting the responsibility of having a pet.
The bottom line is simple: we as pet owners have a responsibility to our pets (babies), to give them the required love and attention they need to maintain the healthy, long life they deserve to live.
To give them what they need, we need to set our schedules accordingly to provide an exercise program, a dietary program, hygiene program and maintain it no matter how tired we are.
In hopes of a healthier pet.
Nessa