Weight Management

Being overweight can cause serious health problems, especially as pets age. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and be within a healthy weight range. As every pet is unique, diets should be customized for the pet and their lifestyle.

Why is it important to manage my pet’s weight?

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as it prevents your pet from developing health issues that can shorten their lifespan. When your pet is overweight, it becomes more difficult for important organs like the heart, kidney, and liver to function. Due to their weight, your pet will also have less energy, so they can’t keep up with an active lifestyle. Overweight pets often develop:

• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Kidney and liver problems
• High blood pressure 
• Cancer

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

Each pet is different, so it’s difficult to generalize. As their guardian, you may notice changes in their size and more fat in their belly area. The best way to know if your pet is overweight is to bring them to a veterinarian. Our team can tell the difference if your pet is overweight or obese. We consider your pet’s age, size, breed, and lifestyle to determine their healthy weight range. Once we know your pet’s ideal weight, we can create a plan to achieve and maintain it.

How can I support my pet’s weight loss?

Taking your pet to the veterinarian is the first step to helping your pet lose weight. However, the journey to a healthy weight continues at home. You play a vital role in your pet’s weight loss. Here are some tips to give support to your pet:

1. Follow the dietary plan created by the veterinarian. Our diet plans are balanced and will give your pet enough nourishment while helping them lose weight.
2. Say no to your pet begging for scraps. Any additional food outside of their prescribed diet can affect their weight loss.
3. Limit your pet’s treats. It’s good practice to replace some treats with affection and praise. Your pet’s treats should account for less than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
4. Encourage your pet to exercise. Start small if it’s too tedious for them, and be sure to ask your veterinarian for suggestions on how to keep your pet active.