This week, we focus on two critical issues. First, it’s World Pet Obesity Awareness Week, October 7–13, 2024, and we need your help, veterinary professionals, to participate in our biennial Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey by signing up at PetObesityPrevention.org.

Joining us this week is board-certified veterinary nutritionist Martha Cline from Purina to dive into the communication challenges surrounding pet obesity, discuss spectrum of care issues with nutrition and obesity, and explore cutting-edge research on metabolomics and its relevance to joint disease and obesity treatment.

But that’s not all. We’ll also address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Southeast, including parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Co-hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Registered Veterinary Technician Beckie Mosser will share ways you can help, as well as some local relief efforts that are making a difference. Links below.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announced World Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 11, 2023. Up to 63% of pet cats and 59% of pet dogs are estimated to be overweight or have obesity in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This week, we have a clinical nutrition expert to discuss a recent pet owner survey and how you can help your pet patients seeking to achieve a healthy body condition.

We’re pleased to share the mic with Dr. Jason Gagné this week. Dr. Jason Gagné is Purina’s Director of Veterinary Communications. He leads a fantastic team of veterinarians and veterinary product advisors who provide university engagement and sales, marketing, and educational support to the US market. 

Dr. Gagné was instrumental in Purina Pro Plan becoming APOP’s first Charter Sponsor to help their ongoing research and outreach efforts to combat pet obesity. On behalf of APOP, Dr. Ward would like to extend a warm welcome and a HUGE thank you to Purina Pro Plan!

Drs. Ward and Gagné take a deep dive into a recent Purina research survey to explore dog owners’ attitudes around feeding, treats, table food, “scraps,” and obesity.
Dr. Ward shares APOP’s years of similar surveys, and both vets offer practical advice for veterinary professionals to share with their clients and patients.

Viewfinders, this is a fast-paced discussion on the complexities of pet obesity. We believe you’ll enjoy it - and hopefully learn a thing or two!

Please visit petobesityprevention.org to sign up to participate in this year’s online surveys. We need veterinary professionals and pet parents to take our brief Pet Weight, Nutrition, and Pet Food Survey. Your opinions (and clients) help us shape future research and resource development. 

For more information and resources to share with your clients, visit petobesityprevention.org or  worldpetobesity.org 

Visit the Purina website and Purina Institute Centre Square for dog owner survey, BCS tools, and more:

https://www.purinaforprofessionals.com/brands/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/om-weight-management?utm_campaign=vdp-professional2023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=october_newsletter&utm_content=cr-om_jm_pt-na&utm_term=

October is National Pet Wellness Month (and don’t forget October 11 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day - More on that in an upcoming podcast). This week, we discuss the importance of focusing on preventive veterinary care and how you can boost your wellness programs and plans.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT,  tackle the topic of creating and maintaining pet wellness plans and programs. The pair stresses the issue of pet care affordability and how inflation potentially risks making preventive pet care elective care for clients struggling to pay their bills. 

Viewfinders, we’ve got a lot to talk about!

Whether you’re a seasoned pet wellness plan expert or looking for ways to make pet care more affordable, this podcast covers a lot of ground!

And don’t forget to sign up your clinic (and yourself!) for Pet Obesity Awareness Day at www.petobesityprevention.org before October!