Woof Meow Pet Tip for March 31, 2025 at Star 977 with Don Hanson
< Updated 2025-03-17 >
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MIKE DOW: – This is Woof Meow with Don Hanson on Star 977. Don is owner and operator at Green Acres Kennel Shop Union Street in Bangor and the force behind the valuable website ForceFreePets.com. Today’s episode – pet obesity.
DON HANSON: In January of 2023, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker reported that “Obesity continues to be the greatest health threat to pets, in that it kills millions prematurely, creates immense pain and suffering, and costs tens of millions of dollars in avoidable veterinary expenses.”. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reports that in the U.S., 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were classified as overweight or obese. Obesity puts our cats and dogs at a much greater risk for many health issues, which can affect the quality of their life and shorten it substantially. Fortunately, pet obesity can be prevented by us humans if we do are part. More on what you can do after the break.
MIKE DOW: – For 30 years, Don has been owner and operator of Greenacres Kennel Shop, Union Street in Bangor, training classes, boarding, grooming, pet food and supplies, and education, in-person and online. Don is also the force behind ForceFreePets.com, a very valuable resource dedicated to providing you with information about your pet’s care and training.
DON HANSON: The responsibility for the tragedy of pet obesity lies solely with us humans, both pet parents and veterinarians. We must do better. I encourage you to make your pet’s weight a family project and make it a priority. Don’t wait for the vet to tell you Sparky and Fluffy are obese; start monitoring their weight now. My dog Muppy is not overweight, and I keep her that way by weighing her at least twice a month. If you don’t have an appropriate scale, stop by your veterinarians or stop by Green Acres Kennel Shop, where we have a scale, and encourage our clients to weigh their dogs on a regular basis. Last year, we started a Healthy Hounds club to help you keep your dog healthy. For more tips, check out my blog post on pet obesity at ForceFreepets.com
MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week only on Star 977.
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