Even just a few extra pounds increase your pet’s risk for some very serious medical problems. Common problems that are directly influenced by weight include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- High blood pressure
- Many types of cancer
Pets that are overweight are not only at increased risk of developing problems such as these, but are very likely to develop more than one. Overweight pets often live shorter lives and tend to be less energetic and playful. So what can you do to keep your pet happy and healthy?
Determine Your Pet’s Ideal Weight
The first step to helping overweight pets t is to determine what your pets’ ideal weight is. We are happy to help you to evaluate whether your pet is overweight and what his or her goal weight is.
We will look at your pet’s body condition score in order to assess your pet and discuss where improvements can be made.
Feed Your Pet a Healthy Diet
Just as for people, there is no magic formula for maintaining a healthy weight. Your pet’s weight is determined by the calories he or she consumes and the calories that are expended on a daily basis.
It is very easy to overfeed our pets. A small dog or cat may need only 250 calories per day compared to our 2000. Little “extras” can add up quickly. Use some of the following tips to help keep your dog or cat at a healthy weight.
- Measure out your pet’s food. It is easy to make mistakes when guessing.
- Ask for our help to calculate how many calories your pet should be consuming.
- Ask for diet and treat recommendations. Some pets may need a lower calorie or even prescription food.
Provide Overweight Pets With Exercise
Some pets are natural athletes while others are couch potatoes. All pets can benefit from routine exercise, though. Encourage your dog or cat to engage in physical activity for at least 15 minutes per day. Some pets may need more than this.
- Get into a routine. Just like people, pets thrive when they have set goals.
- When walking your pet, be sure to set a brisk pace. Save the leisurely stroll for your cool down.
- Keep your pet’s food in an area away from his or her normal area to lounge, play or hang out. This encourages him or her to get up and move when it’s time to eat.
- Use toys to encourage physical activity. Dogs and cats alike enjoy chasing balls, toys, and laser pointers. Find out what gets your pet excited.
If you have an overweight pet, all hope is not lost. We are happy to help you get your furry friend back on the right track. Please let us know if you would like to sit down and get some guidance in developing a weight control program for your dog or cat. We want your pet to live a long and healthy life as much as you do and are happy to help.