Pet Obesity - Popular Pet Treats to Watch Out For

Let's admit it, pet obesity is on the rise. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention notes that an estimated 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese. We can all admit to giving in once in awhile to those longing eyes begging for just a small nibblet of our dinner, our pets know what they are doing!

It isn't a surprise to know that feeding your pet human food is a no no but did you know that some of the most popular pet food and treats on the market could be contributing to those extra pounds? A big culprit are dental chew bones. They may freshen your pets breath but can pack a large amount of calories for your pet. For a run down of healthy pet weights and a list of popular pet treats and their calories, check out veterinarian Ernie Ward's Pet Weights and Treat Caloric Content research below.


Ernie Ward is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and author of "Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter – A Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives."


Find more information on treats that can make your pets fat.

Halloween for Pets - Costumes and Shindigs

Alright all you Halloween hounds out there still searching for the perfect pup-friendly costume, Polka Dot Pup has compiled a ghoulish list of gear sure to impress at any pet costume parade or shindig.

Speaking of shindigs, pet costume parties and parades are popping up all over the place. Know about a pet-friendly Halloween event in your area? We want to hear about it! Send the event information to polkadotpupblog@aol.com. Please submit your events no later than October 29 so that we can get them posted in time for Halloween.

St. Patrick's Day Pets

Let your pet go green this St. Patty's Day!

Polka Dot Pup has searched high and low and located some lucky charms. From clover collars to shamrock treats, your pup will be feeling the luck of the Irish all year long.

Know of a great green product that we left off the list? Drop us a bone at polkadotpupblog@aol.com.

See more of my St. Patrick's Day Pets list at ThisNext.

America's Family Pet Expo

Don't have any plans for this weekend? Well if you live in the Los Angeles or Orange County areas, head on over to the Orange County Fairgrounds for America's Family Pet Expo!

Check out The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, all sorts of animal competitions, pet adoptions, tons of different types of animals and pet food & product vendors (most likely passing out free goodies!)

Only drawback is that you are not allowed to bring your own pets due to the large amount of different types of animals present. But hey, you can still go and have a good time and bring home great products for your pet or even a new little brother or sister.

Visit the Pet Expo website for information on vendors, schedule of events and parking and directions. General admission is $10.00, $4.00 for children 6-12 and 5 yrs and under are free!

The Expo is Friday, 10AM-6PM, Saturday, 10AM-7PM and Sunday, 10AM-6PM. Hope to see you all there!

Pet Me, I'm Irish - St. Patty's Day gear and treats for the dogs

Whether you're an Irish Setter, Wolfhound or only Irish at heart, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. Time to get together with friends, drink lots of green beer and dine on tasty corned beef, cabbage and Irish soda bread. But what can you do to keep your furry friends from getting pinched?

Well you could always color your pet green from head to toe OR deck them out in some St. Patty's Day inspired gear. Try the Shamrock Dog Bandanna from Posh Pet Glamour Boutique.

Out of time to order online? Run down to your local Petco or Petsmart for St. Patty's Day related items. You can always pick up some green fabric and create your own festive outfits too!

Don't want your pet to miss out on the St. Patrick's Day feast? Try American Health Kennels St. Patrick's Day Stew Flavored Green Biscuits or Taxi's Dog Bakery Yogurt Dipped Shamrock Treats, both from Just 4 Pooches. You can also check out Global Paw where they have a number of yummy doggie treat recipes that you can make yourself!

May your luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.

Happy St. Patrick's Day and don't forget to wear your green!