Veterinarian Jonathan Ross of Ross Hospital for Animals in Bloomfield Hills says that obesity has become one of the top killers of dogs and cats.

That's why he plans to provide free pet fitness evaluations at the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus Pet Fitness Fair on August 18.

The fair is being held in conjunction with the store’s 200-cat adoption event August 17-19.

According to Dr. Ross, overweight cats and dogs suffer from the same serious health conditions as overweight humans, including heart, kidney and thyroid disease; diabetes; hip dysplasia and arthritis. While all of these conditions can be managed in the short-term, they significantly reduce a pet’s life span. For example, a medium -size dog that is 20 pounds overweight can have its life span cut by one-third, according to Dr. Ross.
“People think that they’re making their pet happy when they over feed them or give them too many treats,” Dr. Ross says. “They are actually harming them. We are seeing young dogs having difficulty walking and cats under age 5 with diabetes. Pet obesity is a huge pet health problem.”
Dr. Ross will conduct fitness evaluations of dogs and cats that include a body mass and weight assessment, and provide tips on early disease prevention and nutrition information. Vaccines and feline leukemia and heartworm tests will be provided by VIP Pet Care.

To help keep you your cat or dog in shape, Dr. Ross offers these tips:
1. Resist overfeeding. Do not leave bowls of food out all day. Instead designate regular mealtimes with portion control. Keep treats to a minimum.
2. Feed cats and dogs high quality pet foods that are low in carbohydrates.
3. Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and playtime.
4. For weight loss, follow a gradual plan, ideally under a veterinarian's care. Rapid weight loss can cause fatty liver disease in cats.

Adoption event

August 17-19, a 200-cat adoption event will feature all different cat breeds, colors and personalities from Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills and Roscommon Animal Shelter in Roscommon, Michigan, all looking for good homes. Adoption fee of $59 includes spay/neuter, vaccines and tests. Adopted cats and kittens get a free wellness exam courtesy of Ross Hospital for Animals.

The person who adopts the 100th cat will receive a $100 Pet Supplies Plus shopping spree and the 200th adopter gets a $500 Pet Supplies Plus shopping spree.
“At each adoption event, we are reminded how unique and special cats are,” said Addy Shattuck, owner of the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus store, who has adopted out more than 5,000 cats from her stores. “Unfortunately the shelters are overcrowded, so we are trying to do our part to find more of them homes. We are excited that we will be working with both Oakland Pet Adoption Center and Roscommon Animal Shelter in this event.”
The 200-cat adoption event hours are from 4 p.m. To 8 p.m., Friday, August 17; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, August 18 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, August 19. The Pet Fitness Fair will run from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, August 18.
The Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus is at 2057 S. Telegraph, north of Square Lake Rd. For information, call 248-333-7545 or go to www.petsuppliesplus.com.