It’s not just the American people that are battling their waistlines – our pets are growing fat right along with us. Hoboken resident and writer Martha Garvey knows firsthand what it’s like to have an overweight pet. A few years ago her formerly portly beagle/Staffordshire mix, Faith, was struggling with problematic overeating that led to a painful sprained ankle.
Garvey knew that it was time to put Faith on a diet, and the dog lost 12 pounds.
Garvey has since written My Fat Cat and My Fat Dog: Ten Simple Steps to Help your Pet Lose Weight for a Long and Happy Life. The two books are quick, easy-to-read guides from a pet owner’s perspective, designed help chubby canines and flabby felines shed those extra pounds.
A host of health issues
According to the book’s foreword by Veterinarian Deborah Greco, it is estimated that 25 to 45 percent of our pets are too fat. She recommends Garvey’s books as a creative approach to helping dogs and cats stay slim and healthy.
Garvey says that pet obesity doesn’t happen in a day, but when it does, it can cause a host of problems. “As with humans, it can exacerbate a number of diseases and conditions. It can, in some cases, bring them on earlier; in other cases, it makes the condition more severe,” Garvey said.
Problems include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, hip dysphasia, pancreatitis, prolonged or difficult labor, and liver diseases.
To keep your pets healthy and happy for a long time, controlling their weight is a necessity, she said.
The first step is admitting a problem
Just as with people, admitting that a cherished pet is overweight is a difficult for many pet owners. Because the sizes and weights of cat and dog breeds vary greatly, and so many pets are mixed breeds, it’s difficult to generalize what the perfect weight is for all cat or dogs, said Garvey.
That’s why her books include an assessment quiz where owners can ask themselves about their pet’s diet and exercise habits.
“Any weight loss program, whether it’s for you or your dog, is likely to be more successful if you make it a team effort,” Garvey said. “Enlist you vet, your significant other, your friends and your neighbors.”
Check your pet out first
Garvey said that once it is suspected that there is a weight problem, the first step is to take the pet to the vet. The vet will be able to test for metabolic problems, food allergies or other physical issues that might preclude animals from certain foods or exercise.
“You wouldn’t put yourself on a weight loss plan without getting checked out first, would you? So why would you expect your dog to?” asks Garvey.
After it is determined that the pet doesn’t have a medical problem, the next thing to consider is the pet’s diet. “Just as in the human world, the search for the perfect dog diet never ends,” Garvey said.
She adds that because of consumer demand, more and more food companies are offering nutritionally complete and organic foods that will help dogs and cats lose weight.
She added that the overweight pet didn’t gain all of the weight overnight, and for best result owners should modify their pet’s diet gradually.
She strongly discourages leaving out a never ending bowl of food, but does recommend at least two meals per day.
She also said that owners should consider going on a diet with their pets.
The next step is exercise. For dogs, the exercise routine should be tailored to pet’s fitness level and personality. The book gives many helpful tips about activities and toys that work best.
Good reviews
Connie Formosa of Canine Communications in North Bergen, who promotes holistic training through area animal hospitals, has worked with Garvey and her dog Faith.
“Martha has done so much to help Faith to become a healthy, happy well adjusted dog,” Formosa said. “And now she’s put it all into a book, spreading the word about the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for dogs. Every responsible dog lover should check this book out. It would make a great gift for people who are expecting to have a new puppy or dog in their lives. And if your dog is sick or plagued with health issues, you need to read this book.”
A happy Hoboken pet owner
Garvey said that Hoboken is a great city for pet owners.
“I love being a pet owner in Hoboken,” she said. “It’s got gorgeous parks, friendly dog runs, and an abundance of well-staffed, well-stocked pet supply stores.”
She also said that Hoboken is very social for people and dogs. “My dog has also ‘trained’ several local merchants to provide her with treats and with affection,” Garvey said. “The owners of Sobsey’s market actually come out of the store when they see my dog coming to give her a couple of apples, which she loves.” Garvey is also supportive of the Hoboken Dog Association, which encourages responsible dog ownership, and sponsoring fun events such as the Pet Parade. “The only downside to Hoboken, as far as keeping my dog skinny, is also one of its glories – the nice bakeries and pizza places,” she said. “My dog is crazy about Hoboken bread, and she can generally spot and eat a piece off the ground faster than I can stop her from doing it.” q Martha Garvey will be hosting a book signing on Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hand-Mad store, at 86 Park Ave (at the corner of Newark Street), the day after Halloween. Weather permitting, she will host it outside and people are encouraged to stop by with their dogs or cats. Halloween costumes encouraged. Healthy treats for cats, dogs and people will be served. For more information about the event, call (646) 236-8910. People who aren’t able to attend are invited to visit on the Web at http://www.myfatdogbook.com or http://www.myfatcatbook.com.