Pound Patrol to help overweight pets get in shape

Lots of people make New Year’s Resolutions, but this year, you may be making one for your pet. Its estimated that more than half of all dogs and cats in the United States are obese, putting them at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. To start of the New Year, Pet Supplies Plus in White Lake is making it easy for pet owners to help their pets take off extra pounds.

On Thursday, January 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Pet Supplies Plus at 6845 Highland Rd., will hold its first weigh-in for Pound Patrol, a veterinarian-guided weight-loss challenge for dogs and cats to help them reach their ideal weight. The weigh-in includes a weight and body mass evaluation. Pets that need to lose weight will be given a weight-loss goal and will return for monthly weigh-ins for six months. Pets coming closest to their weight-loss goals will win special prizes.

The Pound Patrol challenge is open to all healthy dogs and cats. There is no cost to participate.

Andrea Putt, DVM, of Commerce Village Veterinary Hospital is the veterinarian running the Pound Patrol weigh-in. She says that, with the right nutrition and exercise, many pets respond well to a weight-loss program. For some pets, losing weight can be life saving.

“Being overweight definitely affects a pet’s longevity and quality of life,” Putt says. “Once we identify a pet’s ideal weight, a weight loss plan should be gradual but steady. Some pet owners are amazed by how active and more alert their pets become once they take off even a few extra pounds.”

To register your pet for Pound Patrol, go to www.addyspsp.wordpress.com or visit the Pet Supplies Plus store at 6845 Highland Rd. in White Lake. For more information, call 248-889-4131.