Fat Cats, Canines Invited to Enter Biggest Shedder Weight-Loss Competition

Is your feline fat? Do you have a dumpy dog?

Then you might consider entering The Biggest Shedder nationwide pet weight-loss competition.

BluePearl Veterinary Partners, based in Tampa with an office in Brandon, is hosting the contest to encourage and motivate pet owners to help their furry companions get to a healthy weight. Open to any pet owner with an overweight cat or dog, the first weigh-in deadline is Feb. 13.

“Pets are part of the family and share problems maintaining a healthy weight, just like people do,” said Dr. Neil Shaw, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your pet’s life are paramount to helping your pet live a long and healthy life while preventing avoidable ailments.”

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 54 percent of cats and dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. Animals who are overweight are at risk for shortened life spans due to knee and joint injuries, heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and other serious disorders.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Step 1) Pet owners are encouraged to take their pet to their family veterinarian to see if their pets are, indeed, overweight, determine how much they may need to lose, come up with a plan to lose the weight and figure out a realistic goal to reach by the contest end date of June 14.

To find a local vet, visit the Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch directory.

Step 2) Pet owners take their cat or dog to their family veterinarian for a quick weigh-in every couple of weeks and post their pet’s progress. Prizes are given away at each weigh-in and those who reach their goal by contest end are entered to win the grand prize.

PRIZES

The grand prize for the contest will be one year worth of Hill’s pet food for the winning pet and an iPad provided by Trupanion Pet Insurance for the owner. Additional prizes for progress weigh-ins will be provided by Pfizer Animal Health.

(Note: Winners' information will be verified by the pet’s veterinarian.)

For more information and to participate visit: http://bluepearlvet.com/newsroom/biggest-shedder-competition/.

BluePearl Veterinary Hospital in Brandon is located at 607 Lumsden Professional Court. Call 813-571-3303 or email info.fl@bluepearlvet.com.