Next week is Take Your Pet to Work Week! And as most of you know, VetStem is no stranger to having our furry, four-legged companions in the office. But beyond the sheer cuteness overload, there are additional benefits to bringing your pet to work that you might not have considered.

First off, let’s talk about stress relief. We all know work can get a bit overwhelming at times, but having your pet by your side can work wonders for keeping those stress levels in check. Just a quick scratch behind the ears or a cuddle session during a coffee break can help to boost your mood. Plus, having a furry coworker can instantly lift spirits and provide some fun during the workday.

Bringing your pet to work isn’t just good for your mental health, it can also boost productivity and improve office morale. One study found that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission, fully engaged with their work, and willing to recommend their employer to others. Additionally, more than three times as many employees at pet friendly workplaces report a positive working relationship with their boss and co-workers and are more likely to stay with a company long term. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to work in an office where adorable animals roam the halls?

Check out some interesting studies about pets in the workplace here. And be sure to grab the leash, pack some treats, and get ready to celebrate Take Your Pet to Work Week! Your furry friend will thank you, and your coworkers will too.

This week is Healthy Weight Week. And while this is technically a human “holiday,” it can certainly be applied to pets as well! It should come as no surprise that keeping our pets at a healthy weight comes with multiple health benefits. One of these benefits is the potential to reduce the symptoms or delay the onset of osteoarthritis. A healthy weight may lead to healthier joints!

A Rise in Obesity Rates

Just like people, pets have seen a significant increase in obesity rates in the past 10 years. According to a report conducted by Banfield, 1 out of 3 cats and dogs in the United States is overweight. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise in pet obesity rates. These include lack of exercise, genetics, misconceptions about what is considered overweight, specific diseases, as well as overfeeding.

Obesity and Osteoarthritis

As you probably know, obesity increases the risk of developing or exacerbating several serious diseases. One of these diseases is osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, the number of pets with OA is increasing right along with the obesity rates. Joint discomfort from OA can lead to a reduction in activity levels, which can then lead to weight gain and more stress on the joints. It’s a vicious cycle!

Help your Pet Lose Weight to Reduce the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis  

The good news is weight loss may contribute to a reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms. There are several ways you can help your pet lose weight. One method is physical activity. As we discussed in a previous blog, regular exercise comes with a number of benefits including weight loss. A simple exercise like walking can also strengthen muscles and support joint health by improving joint fluid circulation. Your veterinarian is a key resource to help get your pet to a healthy weight.

As always, if your pet has osteoarthritis and you’re curious about treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.