Get in Control of Your Pet's Health on National Pet Obesity Day
Yes, it’s true that pets come in all shapes and sizes. Pets, however, can weigh too much. In fact, depending on the breed, just a couple of pounds can mean the difference between having a pet at a healthy weight and an overweight pet. Being overweight or obese is not good for pets. It can lead to all sorts of secondary health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and arthritis.
In honour of National Pet Obesity Day which falls on October 12th, we’re doing everything we can to help raise awareness about the seriousness of pets that are carrying extra weight and the steps you can take to make sure your pet stays healthy and happy.
How to Recognize When Your Pet Is Overweight
At a healthy weight, both cats and dogs have bodies that grow more slender or narrow at the waist just in front of their back hips. Viewed from the side, the pet’s stomach should slope upward from the chest toward the waist. An overweight animal will not grow as narrow at the waist. As a result, the animal will be shaped more like a sausage or a blimp when viewed from above and might have a belly that hangs down when viewed from the side.
Weight Loss and Weight Management Strategies for Pets
The first thing you should do if you believe your pet may be overweight, is talk to your Veterinarian. Sage Creek Animal Hospital offers Weight Management & Nutritional Counseling and will work with you to choose the right steps to take for your pet.
Just like a person trying to lose weight, pets typically need to take a two-pronged approach to weight loss. These weight loss measures consist of increased exercise and dietary adjustments (regular meals and treats included) designed to reduce your pet’s overall calorie intake.
We might also recommend running a routine blood test to screen your pet for underlying conditions that could cause weight gain such as an endocrine disorder.
Nutritional Counseling and Weight Management for Pets in Winnipeg
At Sage Creek Animal Hospital, we’re fully committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal health for your pet. Whether your pet is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds or is generally healthy and simply needs to maintain their current weight, we can work with you to help you devise highly nutritious and appropriate portion sizes for your pet’s daily meals. We can work with you using prescription pet diets and regular pet food brands available at any pet store. To learn more or schedule an appointment for your pet, we welcome you to contact our office today.
