PET OBESITY

An estimated 45% of all U.S. pets are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. While the best treatment is prevention, it’s never too late to help your pet stay in better shape.
Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and cats. It’s more common with advancing age and in females. Obese animals- those with a 15% increase over optimum body weight- have a much higher incidence of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, impaired reproductive ability, and greater risks with surgery and anesthesia. Most research in both humans and animals suggests that increased weight shortens life.

How Do I Know If My Pet Is Overweight?

If you’re unsure what your pet’s optimum weight should be, perform this simple test: Place your hands on your pet’s rib cage with your thumbs on the back.
-If you feel the ribs easily, your pet is considered to be normal weight.
-If you can feel fat between the skin and the ribs or the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet is overweight.
-If you can’t feel the ribs, your pet is definitely obese.
In some pets, particularly cats, a large abdomen that hangs down may indicate obesity. There are diseases that can look like obesity such as heart, kidney or glandular disease, so it is important for us to rule these out prior to beginning a vigorous weight-loss program.
 

How Can I Help My Pet Lose Weight?

If your pet is overweight there are usually painless methods for losing those unhealthy pounds. With careful dietary management and our oversight, changes in diet and lifestyle can lead to a much more productive life. We have prescription diet formulations that can make dieting easy for you and your pet. Routine walks and playtime combined with sensible feedings can avert the need for medical intervention. As your pet ages, we recommend changing to a low-fat, high-fiber senior maintenance diet. Contact us for professional recommendations.

DAILY CALORIC NEEDS FOR PETS

IDEAL PET WEIGHT RANGES