From Chubby to Champion: Helping Your Pet Reach a Healthy Weight

October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Month, an important health concern that may not always be discussed — pet obesity.

Just as in people, extra weight can impact the quality of life in pets, from joint health to heart function. It may also shorten their lifespan. The great news? Pet obesity may be preventable and treatable when a dog or cat is placed on a healthy weight plan.

📊 The Importance of Pet Obesity

Research indicates that more than 50% of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Other pounds can:

• Stress on their joints worsens their arthritis.

• Put them at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

• Causes difficulty breathing, especially for flat-faced breeds

• Decrease their energy levels and make playtime less enjoyable.

• Shorten their lifespan

Our goal is not just for pets to "look" fit, but to "feel" their best so that they can have as many years with you as possible. ❤️

🐕🐈 Identifying Indicators of Potential Weight Gain

Slow, impending weight gain often goes unnoticed until your pet is already overweight, or even obese. Here’s a quick check you can do at home:

• Feel their ribs: You should be able to feel (but not see) the ribs with minimal pressure.

• Look for a waist: You should see an hourglass shape when viewed from above.

• Look at their belly: A sagging belly or lack of a tummy tuck can indicate weight gain.

If you are not sure, don’t fret! At your next wellness visit, we will weigh them and evaluate their body condition score (BCS).

🥦 Strategies for Enhancing Your Pet's Weight Loss Plan

Helping your pet lose weight doesn't have to be a complicated process:

🍗 Find the right food: A balanced diet geared toward weight control will make a significant difference.

🥏 Portion control, portion control, portion control: Take a second to measure their meals (don't guess!) so you don't accidentally overfeed.

🐕‍🦺 Keep them moving: Play fetch, go for walks, or use puzzle toys to get them moving.

🩺 Weight assess regularly: Stay away from arbitrary measurements, like weight-wise people, tracking progress helps everyone stay motivated.

We can develop a safe, realistic, personalized weight-loss plan for your pet along with preparation for long-term success.

🏥 Collaborate with us

Managing your pet's weight is one of the most important health considerations we can tackle together. To do this, schedule a weight check with us — we'll discuss their diet, exercise, and, over time, weight progress.

📞 Call us, or book an appointment online — let's ensure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and ready for many more adventures by your side!