Obesity has become a national calamity for adult humans, as well as children. It's hardly surprising that obesity is also of major health concern for our animal companions. Nutrition in general has never been better AND worse for our pets.

Commercial pet food companies specialize in food designed specifically for a species. Cats are true carnivores and cannot survive to peak health potential or life expectancy on a vegetarian diet whereas dogs, like humans, are omnivores and eat plant material as well as meat. Guinea pigs and non-human primates require vitamin C in their diet, whereas other species (including dogs and cats) produce what they require. Pet food is also specialized according to age. Kittens and pups need extra calories and protein than typical adults, and geriatrics are at the other end of the spectrum, requiring less. One can even find pet foods tailored to specific health concerns, such as extra low protein food for kidney patients, restricted protein diets for inflammatory bowel disease, and low sodium diets for heart patients.

In years past companion animals were routinely fed "people food," as the concept of special foods for pets did not hit the level of refinement that it has today. And, of course, that pet lived to a ripe old age, according to the owner. What people forget is that people ate differently back then, too. Meals were home cooked, with far smaller portions consumed, and less total fat comprising the meals. Today -- do many of us have time to cook full meals for breakfast and dinner, and how many of us "brown bag" it for lunch, versus swinging by a quick fast food pick-me-up? I know people who think that pizza for dinner on a regular basis is O.K. (it does cover the four main food groups if you add veggies). Giving your dog the pizza crusts WILL add bulk to his waistline. Potato chips are not good for your pet, either. And just because the ice cream has melted in the bottom of your bowl does not mean the calories and fat have melted away. Think of it as giving your pet a milkshake when you allow her to lick the bottom of the bowl. One other thing to keep in mind -- look at that "tiny bit of food that you are giving to your pet. Now many small dogs are only 12 to15 pounds to begin with. And you, Dad, weigh approximately 180 pounds. (Moms are guilty, too, but for some reason women are often more sensitive to the issue of weight than are men.) So multiply the size of that little snack 10 times. That's not such a little snack, is it?

Pet cookies and treats specially made for animals are the caloric equivalent of a candy bar, and the more yummy looking the treat, the higher the calories. I am not adverse to the occasional cookie, and there are times when bribing is definitely the way to go (such as after getting one's nails trimmed, etc). These should be the exception, rather than the rule, or you risk training your pet to demand only the treat and ignore the healthy food.

So what's the problem with a fat pet? Quite a few, actually. Overweight animals experience a lot of needless pain due to stress on the hips, knees, and elbows. I shed 10 pounds off my own personal dog, and was embarrassed and remorseful at how bouncy he was with such a small (10 percent) weight loss. Obese animals (especially cats) with asthma or any other type of respiratory problem have their ailments exacerbated by the excess weight. They also experience much more difficulty breathing in the hot months--and Napa can be quite warm in the summer. Chunky animals do not groom themselves well, and develop excess dander and dull, dry coats. Their energy level drops considerably, and owners often subconsciously begin thinking of their pet as old and become less likely to treat any medical ailment than they would if they had a spry, playful animal. So not only is their lifespan shortened due to true medical conditions, but also due to misconceptions regarding quantity and quality of life

So do your pet a favor, and slim him down if your veterinarian has told you to so. Feeding less treats and food will save you money (spend it on TOYS and fun stuff!) , you will have fewer veterinary bills, and you will have a companion who lives a longer and happier life.

Dr. Cornejo can be reached at Animal Kingdom Veterinary Services at 254-0500 or via e-mail at animalkingdom1@sbcglobal.net