PET OBESITY AND THE LICKETY STIK DIFFERENCE

Tips to Motivating and Rewarding a Healthier,
More Active Lifestyle from Pet Fitness Expert

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (April X , 2013) – According to the latest Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey, 55 percent of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight. That means approximately 80 million U.S. pets have are at an increased risk of weight-related disorders, like osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and heart, respiratory and kidney disease. They’ll also suffer a decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years).

With such an alarming statistic and equally concerning consequences, it’s imperative that pet parents take action. But how do you trim a pet’s diet and waistline without succumbing to sad puppy dog eyes or stern kitty glares? According to Sherri Cappabianca, a Certified Canine Health and Fitness Practitioner at Rocky’s Retreat Canine Health & Fitness Center, a health center specializing in helping pets reach a healthy weight and lifestyle, it’s all about increasing the pet’s physical activity level.

“Pets require more exercise than most people give them. Walking is generally not enough. They need a cardio workout, just like we do, ” comments Cappabianca. She and her team use several means of promoting healthy activity, often using treadmills designed for pets. Cappabianca suggests pet parents jog with their dog, play fetch, or swim with them in your home pool or a safe, pet-friendly lake or ocean location. Feline households can encourage kitty’s activity level with added playtime with wands and laser toys. And to help motivate and reward your pet’s new, more active lifestyle, Cappabianca recommends using the Lickety Stik® and Feline Lickety StikTM by PetSafe®. That’s what she and her team use in their own offices!

Considering the average biscuit treat delivers between 20 and 40 calories per serving, the Lickety Stik® by PetSafe® family of products are refreshingly light. Made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients, there’s only 1 calorie in 10 canine licks, or 20 kitty licks. Meaning you can treat your pet more frequently without filling them up or spoiling their diet. With consistent use, you can help maintain a diet that’s fewer in calories and keeps off those extra pounds that may compromise a more active, enjoyable life for your dog or cat.

Look for the Lickety Stik line of liquid, lickable treats – uniquely packaged in a roller-ball dispenser with a screw-on cap for mess-free treating – at pet specialty retailers and online merchants. To learn more, visit www.petsafe.net/licketystik or www.facebook.com/PetSafeBrand.

ABOUT PETSAFE®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., PetSafe leads the industry in the development of innovative pet behavior, containment and lifestyle product solutions. With the recent introduction of Lickety Stik, the company is establishing an entirely new category of pet treats. Visit www.petsafe.net for more information.

The Lickety Stik family of lickable treats for dogs and cats is the choice among pet professionals and pet parents alike, and is proudly made in the USA. The original canine Lickety Stik was named “product of the year” on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” by Dr. Marty Becker. Feline Lickety Stik joined the line of PetSafe treats in June of 2012 and is the proud recipient of the Cat Fancy Editors’ Choice Award. Look for the latest product additions to the Lickety Stik brand, LiquiMints and Lickety Stik Gel, to debut on the market later this spring. For details, visit www.petsafe.net.