Woof Meow Pet Tip for January 5, 2026, at Star 977 with Don Hanson – Pet Obesity

< Updated 2026-01-05 >

< The link to this page –  https://www.forcefreepets.com/wfmwtip-PetObesity-2026-01-05 >

MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to train them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, and online at greenacreskennel.com, and at the ForceFreePets website at  forcefreepets.com

DON: – It’s the beginning of a new year, a time when many of us make resolutions about how we will improve our lives. Often, those resolutions involve our weight and our eating habits. The dogs and cats we share our lives with cannot make their own resolutions, but as the ones responsible for their well-being, we can do many things. To start with, discuss your pet’s weight with your veterinarian and let them know you want to know the truth. A recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention indicated that 40% of veterinarians are not comfortable discussing your pet’s weight. Let your vet know you are comfortable with what they need to tell you. After the break, I’ll have additional recommendations.

MIKE DOW: – For 31 years, Don has been owner and operator of Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.

DON: After discussing your pet’s weight with your vet, you will need to monitor their weight regularly. A check-in at the vet once a year is not enough. Most vets do not mind if you bring your pet in to weigh them. If you’re a client of Green Acres Kennel Shop, we have a scale specifically for that purpose. I weigh my dog Muppy at least three times per month. There are no easy answers to helping your pet lose weight. However, you can find many helpful recommendations on my blog [ Pet Obesity Is A Major Health Issue for Our Pets – https://www.forcefreepets.com/pet-obesity-is-a-major-health-issue-for-our-pets-please-do-what-you-can-to-help/ ]. Pets that are obese are more likely to develop disease and have shorter lives. A 13-year study published in 2002 revealed that dogs fed 25% less than recommended on the bag lived almost two years longer and were less likely to develop chronic disease.

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.

I maintain two blogs, where I write about a variety of topics related to dogs and cats, or with a “Woof and Meow” theme. See what I did there? You can explore either by clicking on the links below. I also often share links to articles written by others that I believe my subscribers will find of interest. If you like what you see, please subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you think friends and family members would like what I’m writing about, share the link. – Don

 

Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) and the founder and owner of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. He is a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) and a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). Don is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), serving on the Board of Directors and the Steering Committee, and chairs the Advocacy Task Force and the Shock-Free Coalition. He writes and edits the blogs for both Green Acres Kennel Shop and ForceFreePets.

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