New Year, Healthier Pets: A Gentle Guide to Weight Loss Awareness Month
- Elle Reyes
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Every January, we take the time to raise awareness of a topic that often affects many families but rarely gets attention - the extra weight that our pets have been carrying. Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month focuses on educating owners about how to help their beloved dogs and cats lose weight, gain more mobility, and live longer.
Just like us, as they age, our pets have a tendency to slowly gain weight without us noticing it. A few extra treats, some months of lounging during the winter, and all of a sudden, the jump or sprint that once was their favorite pastime is not as easy to perform as it was before. Luckily, with the right guidance early on and a customized plan for your dog or cat, you can help prevent this from occurring again and also strengthen the bond that you share with them.
Why Maintaining a Healthy Weight is Important
Extra weight adds pressure to joints, the heart, and the organs inside the body. Overweight pets have an increased chance of developing diabetes and arthritis, urinary issues, and limited mobility. Unbeknownst to most pet parents, overweight pets:
Live shorter lives
Suffer from increased pain when moving around throughout the day.
They are less able to tolerate heat and have less stamina.
Develop chronic illnesses more frequently than average.
Healthy weight is not just about the way your pet looks. It's about their comfort, their energy levels, and how well they can enjoy life.
Your Pet Might Be Overweight If:
You can’t easily find their ribs,
They have lost the curve of their waistline,
They move more slowly and don’t enjoy playing as much,
After engaging in mild activity, they are breathing heavily,
They find it hard to jump up into cars or sit on couches.
If any of the above sounds like your pet, you are not alone; nationally, it is estimated that more than 50% of all household pets are overweight. A simple checkup can be enlightening.
What We Provide to You at the Clinic
At each pet's weight management visit, we assess all aspects of a pet's life, including their general health, activity level, where they eat, how often they eat, what they eat, and the type of treats they receive. We then create a customized plan to meet your family's needs.
Body condition scoring to determine ideal weight
Safe caloric goals
Veterinary-approved diets/prescription weight loss products
Joint support products for comfort
Gradual (no starving!) increase of activities/exercise
Monthly weight checks and follow-up appointments
Each of our weight management plans is personally tailored to suit the unique environment each pet/family unit lives in.
A few small changes can have an immense impact on your pet's behavior. Most pets are very receptive to gradual yet consistent changes in their lives, such as:
Changing from high-calorie treats to healthier rewards
Weighing their food rather than just eyeballing it
Increasing the time spent walking/playtime
Using puzzle feeders
Choosing a diet that your veterinarian would recommend!
By providing your pet with a little bit of structure, not only will they live a healthier and happier life, but you will also feel more relaxed about your pet.
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