They say that people choose pets with similar appearances or personality traits to themselves. The latest trait to become similar between pets and their humans? Obesity is on the rise.

A study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that 80 million U.S. cats and dogs are overweight or obese. This translates to about 58% of cats and 52% of dogs being obese or overweight.

More surprisingly, 45% of the owners of the chubby pets believed their pets were a “normal weight”.Issues that can result from an overweight or obese pet include joint problems and diabetes.

Students enrolled in Ashworth’s veterinary assistant course understand the importance of ensuring pets maintain a healthy weight. What advice do you have for pet owners to ensure their pets maintain a healthy weight and live long healthy lives?

Image courtesy of makeitsickjake.

In an age where children who misbehave are subject to internet humiliation, parents also can choose a viral punishment for their pets.  We've seen the images of children who are forced to wear sandwich boards saying that they failed a class or must admit on their Facebook page that they were caught drinking underage, but now those who can't even type are forced to be humiliated publicly.

Dogshaming.com is a new site where frustrated owners can post images of their dogs admitting to misbehaving.  These pictures come with comical captions that usually admit to eating something they shouldn't have (like soap or socks) or deal with soiling the carpet or other surfaces that aren't the backyard.  While meant to be funny, some people say this is just cruel and they feel bad for the pets. 

As an animal lover or a student in online veterinary assisting school, what do you think?

Lassie, Toto, and even Bruiser from Legally Blonde don't have anything on Pudsey, a mixed breed dancing dog who captured hearts all over the world as he preformed his best tricks on Britain's Got Talent.  Pudsey, who is part Bichon Frise, part Chinese Crested Powder Puff, and part Border Collie, met his owner Ashleigh when he was a gift for her 11th birthday.  Together Ashleigh and Pudsey danced their way to victory on the British talent show.

Simon Cowell, a nortoriously harsh judge, had a soft spot for the dog saying,"I adore both of you. You have got better and better as the competition has progressed and to do what you did in such a short time is a miracle."  Since winning the show, the pair have been featured on news shows and hope one day to go all the way to Hollywood. 

Whether you're in veterinary assisting school or just an animal lover, this video is sure to make you smile.

What's the best trick your dog can do?

Each generation seems to have a new "dangerous breed of dog" that parents and children need to be aware of.  Society continues to reinforce these perceptions and limit where they can live, how they can travel, and places they can go.  Some apartment complexes and neighborhoods don't allow these "dangerous pets" and in the case of United Airlines, these dogs aren't allowed to fly - until now.

Nine breeds, pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, preso canario, perro de presa Canario, dogo Argentino, cane Corso, fila Brasileiro, Tosa (or Tosa Ken) and ca de bou, were not allowed to fly, but thanks to an online petition, the ban has been lifted.  It took 46,000 signatures to get the airline to change it's mind.  These dogs still need to be flown in reinforced crates, but they are allowed to fly.

As someone who is enrolled in veterinary school, what do you think of the ban being lifted?

When Tanner the Golden Retriever found his way to an animal shelter, he was in pretty bad shape.  As a puppy, Tanner developed cataracts and was blind by adulthood.  He also suffered from seizures that only got worse when Tanner's owner passed away.  Once he was alone in the shelter, Tanner just seemed to be getting worse, until he found a friend.

Blair was also healing from a rough past.  This dog had been shot and, although he survived and thrived, was timid and nervous.  Once the two dogs got together, however, a bond was formed and a friendship emerged.  Blair, who never had any training to be a service dog, jumped into the role of Tanner's helper.  Blair became a guide dog for the blind and now leads his friend around by biting on to Tanner's leash. 

Those in veterinary careers who work at the pound say whoever adopts one must take the other because these two canines gave each other a new "leash" on life.

What do you think of this?

When Fiona was found, she was dirty, blind, and alone.  A Los Angeles animal rescue group found her infested with fleas and living amongst the garbage.  After coaxing her out, Eldad and Audrey Hagar, two volunteers for the charity, took her home and had to shave her due to the fleas.  Once she was shaved she was washed and cleaned up in a way she probably hadn't been in years. 

After a few days, the Hagar's took her to a veterinarian who confirmed Fiona was blind in both eyes.  He said that he could restore sight in one eye if the money was raised.  Through generous donations, $4,000 was collected and the puppy was able to see once more.  Thanks to the kindness of the Hagars and the veterinarian, this little dog's life was changed forever.

Since then, Fiona has been adopted and is healthy. 

Pets are just another member of our families and because of that, their names are just as important and naming any child.  While show dogs, cats, and horses have long names like GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind and go by nicknames, for the regular dog or cat a regular name will suffice.  According to one site, human names for pets are on the rise whereas names like "Fluffy" and "Whiskers" are declining.  With that in mind, there are some other animal naming tips you can keep in mind.

• Pick a name that the pet can easily recognise. Animals respond better to one or two syllable names.
• Choose a name that's both easy to call out and one that you are happy calling out. Calling out "Jack" or "Zoe" in the park may be far less embarrassing than calling out "Death Breath"!
• For dogs avoid names that sound like the standard commands of No, Stay, Sit, Come, Down or Fetch. For example "Joe" is probably too close to "No". It can be difficult for dogs to tell the difference between similar sounding words.
• If choosing a long name keep in mind the shortened version. A long name will inevitably be shortened, but it may ruin the effect that you were originally looking for.
• The pet's breed heritage can provide some useful inspiration. For example Orientals ( Siamese and Burmese) , German (Shepherds, Dachshunds and Schnauzers), French (Poodle), Scottish (Terriers), or Irish (Wolfhounds and Setters). The Human Name and Foreign Name categories may assist here.
• Waiting a few days to study your pets behaviour can help pick the right name. The Personality, Affectionate and Appearance categories may assist here.
• Pick a name that will grow with the pet. For example "Kitten" may be less appropriate for a full grown cat.

What did you name your pet?

Each year, PETA chooses one lucky rescued turkey to hold the distinguished honor of Turkey of the Year.  This year's recipient is Jake, a turkey from Oak Ridge, NC.  When Jake was found, he was unable to eat or even move.  Thanks to some veterinarians, an animal rescue group, and one generous man named Tony Cooler, Jake gets to celebrate Thanksgiving not on a plate, but with a family. 

"Thanksgiving is murder on turkeys, but compassionate rescuers like Tony Cooler give lucky birds like Jake something to be thankful for," says PETA Vice President. "Rescued turkeys have been given a second chance at a life free from suffering on crowded factory farms—and that's the real prize."

What do you think of this story?