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Medicine 2012-12-18 2 min read

Rob Macpherson Rutland VT Responds to New Dog Pedometer, Fights Animal Obesity

Japanese tech company Fujitsu has just released the world's first dog pedometer, giving pet owners and animal health advocates a way to fight animal obesity. Rob Macpherson, Rutland, VT veterinarian offers his thoughts on this latest innovation.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 18, 2012

While the human population of America continues to struggle with rising rates of obesity, the problem is starting to be noticed among the global animal population as well. In response, Japanese company Futjitsu has just released the world's first dog pedometer for sale in Japan. A recent article from The Telegraph highlights this new product stating that "the Fujitsu Wandant, which uses the same sensory technology made popular by sleep and exercise apps for humans on smartphones, keeps owners updated on their pets' daily exercise routines." Although the product is geared toward Japanese pet owners, Rob Macpherson Rutland VT veterinarian commends this new approach to fighting animal obesity and believes it can help the entire planet's overweight pet population.

Although pet obesity may go unnoticed by some, the article reveals that a recent survey of dog owners by a pet food manufacturer found that "21.3 percent of dog owners believed their dogs were 'somewhat chubby' and 28 percent said their dogs were 'fat'." To put that in comparison, the article also reveals that pet obesity is a problem that affects more than half of American cats and dogs. Noting this trend, Rob Macpherson, Rutland, VT vet comments, "The importance of pet obesity cannot be overemphasized enough. Obesity is the most common affliction that animals face, leading to a wide range of health issues."

A pedometer for a dog may seem a little excessive to some pet owners, but the features of the product are designed to help make important improvements in a canine's health. The article explains, "The Wandant tag aims to tackle the growing problem by measuring dogs' steps, shivering, and temperature changes. Data is then stored on the pedometer and kept on a website for owners." Users can then log a variety of information regarding their pet's diet, exercise and overall health to help track and discover ways to improve their dog's daily lifestyles.

In hopes that such a product will become widely used in the United States, Rob Macpherson, Rutland, VT dog owner and veterinarian concludes, "The dog pedometer allows you to set goals and monitor your program week to week. Gradually increasing exercise and keeping track of the number of steps makes sure you are seeing progression and results for this common problem pets face."

ABOUT:

Rob Macpherson Rutland VT Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, owns and practices veterinary medicine at Rutland Veterinary Clinic and Surgical Center. For two decades, he has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to heal animals and support pet owners. Before taking ownership of the clinic in Rutland, Vermont, he worked there as a staff veterinarian for 10 years. As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Rob Macpherson, Rutland, VT resident, has a great deal of experience under his belt and has become a very active member of his community, especially in regards to animal protection rights and health.

Website: http://robmacphersonrutlandvermont.org/