Byline: Barbara Delaney
One extra pound can quickly blossom to five or 10 if we don't watch our food intake, and the problem is not limited to us.
The American Animal Hospital Association estimates that as many as three out of five adult dogs is overweight or likely to get that way because of age or activity level.
To educate dog owners nationwide about the health problems associated with corpulent canines, the association and the Ralston Purina Co. will hold free dog health-screening and fitness events today in such major cities as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Miami.
Veterinarians and trained professionals will demonstrate the ``Fit & Trim Rib Check'' test to dog owners and speak on health problems associated with corpulent canines, among them, diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
``One of the ways we like to show love for our dogs is by feeding them. However, unless we make sound decisions about how and what to feed them, we may be doing substantially more harm than good,'' said Char Bebiak, head animal trainer and behaviorist for Ralston Purina, which manufactures reduced-fat pet foods.
Experts at the pet food company say dog owners should always measure the amount of food they give their pets by following the recommended quantities listed on dog food packages; establishing a set mealtime, and sticking with one food that is nutritionally complete.
Feeding scraps and unlimited ``dog treats'' is discouraged.
Although rib check day will not officially be held in the Capital Region, there is no reason why you can't perform the test yourself.
This is the procedure:
Place both thumbs on your dog's backbone and run your fingers along the rib cage. If you can't easily feel the bony part of each rib, your dog may need to lose weight.
Stand directly over your dog as he's standing and look down on him. You should see a clearly defined waist behind the ribs. If he doesn't have an ``hour-glass'' figure, he may be carrying extra pounds.
Check your dog's profile. If you don't see a clearly defined abdomen tucked up behind his rib cage, he is probably overweight.
Dr. Merry Crimi, president of the American Animal Hospital Association, adds that routine visits to the veterinarian and active in-home monitoring of your dog's overall health will go a long way in combating the severity of dog obesity. The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society will hold an adoption day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Price Chopper Center, New Loudon Road, Latham, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Price Chopper Center, 911 Central Ave., Albany.
The events will be held in conjunction with Homeless Pet Adoption month, celebrated nationally.
Pet owners may also buy pet food products by H.J. Heinz, which will offer cash rebates to the shelter.
The society recently elected officers. They are Jane Quellmalz Carey, president; Peter Mason, vice president; Susan Bailey, treasurer; and Dan Dustin, secretary. The Rensselaer County Department of Health will hold a Rabies Vaccination Clinic from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday for cats and dogs (the same times) on Tuesday in Schodack Town Hall, routes 9 and 20.
Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. All animals must be controlled by their owners.
Cost is $10 per animal. Whiskers Animal Benevolent League is accepting soft and hardcover books for a book sale to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22 at the dwelling at 22 Quincy St. (off Osborne Road) in Colonie.
Paperbacks will be sold for 25 cents and hardcover books for $1. Proceeds will benefit the organization, which rescues animals and helps find them homes.
For information, call Sue Mahar at 448-9565. Greyhounds as Companions Inc. will hold an adoption clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Drumm Veterinary Hospital, Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. Volunteers and greyhound owners will be available to talk with families interested in adoption. Ten dogs are currently available.
For information, call 766-9173. Greyhound Rescue of New York Inc. will hold a greyhound awareness clinic during Glenville Days today and Sunday at Schenectady County Airport.
A variety of adoptable greyhounds will be present.
For information, call 785-0270. Homestretch Greyhound Adoptions Inc. will hold an adoption clinic at Nenmec's Feed & Grain, 79 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.
Group members and greyhound owners will be on hand to discuss the breed. Dogs will be available for pre-approved applicants.
For details, call 372-7024. The Adirondack Rottweiler Fanciers will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Colonie Elks Club, Latham.
Area veterinarian Michael J. Casler will speak on dental health and flea control.
For information, call Tami at 882-9843 or Mary at 877-6034 Even if it does rain today, it will be bright for anyone who loves German shepherds: nearly 200 of them will be at the Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge, Route 9, Albany, for the Mohawk Hudson German Shepherd Club's 1996 Northeast Futurity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be judging in varying classes, an open house buffet at night and an opportunity to find out all you want to know about the breed.
Admission is free.
If anyone is aware of a local ferret rescue group, please call or drop a note at the number/address below. Canines and Felines appears Saturdays. If you have news that may be of interest to dog and cat lovers, send it to Canines and Felines, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany 12212, or call 454-5493.
CAPTION(S):
THIS DOG is getting the ``Fit & Trim Rib Check,'' a test developed by dog experts in determining canine obesity.
