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In this special episode, Dr. Hannah Capon, Ernie Ward, and Alex German delve into the critical issue of weight management and obesity in dogs, offering perspectives from both America and England. (May 2021 FULL VIDEO: You can find the full video in CAM MemberZone.

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone)

There is an obesity epidemic raging through our cat and dog population! The figures are terrifying – with 50-60% of owned cats and dogs being clinically overweight if not obese. CAM was lucky enough to have Dr. Ernie Ward and Prof. Alex German join Hannah Capon to share their immense knowledge and enthusiasm for managing weight in our pets. The health concerns from excess weight include OA, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A big takeaway is that 97% of the causes are human-led, meaning we have a huge opportunity to change. It isn’t just about excess feeding; many factors lead to unhealthy weight gain, but excess weight in youth often persists for life.

Prof. Alex German:

Alex German is the Royal Canin Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool, a Diplomat of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has led the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic for 15 years, focusing on improving the quality of life for overweight pets through clinical excellence, research, and education.

Dr. Ernie Ward:

Dr. Ernie Ward, known as ‘America’s Pet Advocate,’ has dedicated his career to improving animal care. He focuses on obesity, nutrition, behavioral issues, and innovative care for aging pets, always emphasizing the pet’s best interest.

Key Insights:

1. Impact of Weight Loss: A mere 6-9% reduction in a dog's body weight can significantly enhance their quality of life and mood.

2. Osteoarthritis Treatment: Weight loss stands as the most effective treatment for osteoarthritis, supported by substantial scientific evidence.

3. Proactive Weight Management: Monitoring a dog's weight should begin from puppyhood, with regular weigh-ins and recording to promptly address any fluctuations.

4. Sensitive Communication: When discussing weight with dog owners, professionals may want to use phrases such as body shape when discussing weight with dog owners.

5. Health Risks: An obese dog faces severe future health risks, essentially becoming a ticking time bomb.

Relevant links:

Join Holly‘s Army and get support for your weight loss journey: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/8AcWZohTyJh9ykgD/?mibextid=K35XfP

Visit the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention for more resources and information on managing pet obesity. https://www.petobesityprevention.org

Check out the Labrador Lifetime Study for detailed research findings on the impact of weight management on osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3830602/

Weight Loss Tips: Subscribe to our 6-day email series here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f3m8k3

Enjoy this insightful episode and take a proactive step in managing your pet’s weight for a healthier and happier life.

Learn more about CAM:

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Learn more about CARE:

Website: https://caninearthritis.org

Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.