b'Havethemostlyunfoundedconcernsaboutvaccinationsin Does this tutu make my butt look big? A new study from thehumans influenced pet owners to stop vaccinating their pets? Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) revealed thatAccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControl(CDC),the more than half of pets in the U.S. continue to be overweight.measles outbreak in the U.S. just topped 100 cases. A large num- Most notable among the research is just how unaware pet own-ber of those cases started from a single visitor to Disneyland. ers are that their pets have weight issues. Of the 54% of over-Physiciansblamelowerimmunization weight pets, 90% of their owners identi-rates,andtheAmericanVeterinary fy their pets weight as normal. AccordingMedical Association(AVMA)isseeing tothe APOP there is a fat pet gap inthis trend in the pet world. awareness on the serious risks of this petBefore a vaccine was developed to obesity epidemic.fight canine distemper in 1929, the illness AccordingtoDr.MartyBecker,waswidespreadandhadfatalconse- obesityisoneofthemorecommonquences for dogs. problems veterinarians see in pets, and itsBrennenMcKenzie,aveterinarian especiallytroublinginolderpets.andtheformerpresidentofthe CarryingexcessweightstressestheEvidence-BasedVeterinaryMedicine jointsandcanexacerbateosteoarthritisAssociation, tells New York Magazine, I orhipdysplasia.Beingoverweightcanwouldsay,fromasubjectivepersonal alsocauseyourpettohavedifficultypoint of view, that often issues in veteri- breathing, make him less tolerant of heat,narymedicinespilloverfromhuman andcontributetohighbloodpressuremedicine, and over the last 10 or 15 years and diabetes. Fat cats and dogs are also attherehasbeenanincreaseinmostly higher risk of problems when they mustunfounded concerns about vaccine safe- undergo anesthesia. Those are just a fewty for peopleand that, I think, has of the ways obesity can affect a pets well-raisedpeoplesawarenessandlevelof being,especiallyasheages,saidDr.concernaboutvaccinationsfortheir Becker.pets. TokeepyourpetataleanbodyThe AVMAhasvaccineguidelines Corbin, an eight-year-old Bulldog during weight, measure his food at each mealfor dog parents to follow. The veterinari- the Holiday Lights event at the (no free feeding) and adjust the amountans at the AVMA strongly believe that Botanical Gardens, Largo. he receives based on his body condition.prevention is a must to keep dogs healthy. They also agree that If you have multiple pets, you may need to feed each one in aannual visits for preventative care are essential. Catching an ill- crate or separate room to prevent food theft.ness before it spreads gives pet parents a stronger chance at erad- Talk to your veterinarian about the best way for your peticatingit.Someofthenecessaryvaccinesfordogsinclude to lose weight. He or she can evaluate your pet and help yourabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Lyme disease. U determine how to proceed. Us\x00Medicine s\x00Surgery s\x00DentistryA FULL SERVICE VETERINARY HOSPITAL AND OSPITAs\x00Boarding s\x00BathingRDING FABOARDING FACILITY, PROVIDING MEDICAL AND RE FOR COMPASURGICAL CARE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS. s\x00Veterinary Acupuncture BOARD CERTIFIED IN PAIN MANAGEMENTs\x00Traditional Chinese Medicine1 727.733.9351 Do Y You Have A1412 Belcher Road FIRSTGregory Todd, D.V.M. Do You Have A EXAMPatrick Hafner, D.V.M. Healthcare Question $ NEW PATIENT Wade Matthews, D.V.M. About Y Your Pet?About Your Pet?Includes comprehensivePlease call for an appointment. We wantPalm Harborphysical exam and oneChristen Woodley, D.V.M.vaccine. you to feel at ease with asking questions727.785.6524Heather Manfredi, D. V.M. and participating in your pets care.1355 Pinehurst Rd., Dunedin|www.AHofD.com FOR HELPFUL HEALTH TIPS, PLEASE VISIT OUR BLOG AT WWW.COUNTRYOAKSANIMALHOSPITAL.COMDoes not include 3 year Rabies vaccine. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer.64THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'