What does APOP mean in PREVENTION

The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) is a national organization dedicated to reducing pet obesity through public education and advocating for obesity prevention and management as part of routine veterinary care. The organization also helps to raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity for pet health.

Pets that are overweight or obese may be at risk for various medical conditions including joint problems such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, some types of cancer, respiratory problems, and decreased life expectancy.

Common indicators that a pet may be overweight include an inability to feel their ribs when touched; having excess fat on the neck or back; having a round profile; having difficulty rising from lying down; breathing heavily or tired quickly during exercise; and having folds under the belly.

Yes! You'll want to feed your pet high-quality meals in smaller portions several times during the day. Make sure they're getting plenty of exercise each day as well - 30 minutes for cats and 45 minutes for dogs - but avoid over-exertion since it can cause injury. Try to limit treat consumption as much as possible too.

It's important to feed your pet food that fits their individual nutritional needs based on age, breed, lifestyle, health status, etc. Look for foods with high-quality proteins like chicken or fish rather than by-products like corn gluten meal and wheat middlings. Choose foods that contain fewer fillers such as corn and rice bran so your pets get more nutrition per serving size.

It's important to bring your pet in at least once a year for routine visits with their veterinarian so they can receive preventive care including healthy weight maintenance advice. If there are any concerns about your pet's weight or eating habits, make sure to consult with your veterinarian right away so appropriate measures can be taken before serious issues develop.

Supplements used in conjunction with proper dietary intake and exercise can help support healthy weights in pets when recommended by a veterinarian. However, it's essential not to give supplements without consulting your vet first because certain supplements may interact adversely with medications or cause other health complications depending on each individual animal’s age/breed/health history/etc.

Vegetables are great sources of natural nutrients that can also provide fiber which aids digestion – however they shouldn’t be used exclusively instead of complete nutrition puppy food products which have been specifically formulated to provide all necessary vitamins & minerals needed for healthy growth & development without risk of nutrient deficiencies.