Helping Your Pet Lose Weight
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Many domestic pets are overweight or obese. Overweight dogs and cats are at greater risk for a wide variety of health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, back problems, and skin problems.
It is important to remember that pets don’t rummage through the fridge or buy fast food. We control what they eat. Dramatic weight loss and health improvement can be achieved if you remain committed and put your pet’s health first. Read on for tips on reducing your pet’s weight.
How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
An easy way to estimate the proper weight for your dog is to feel the ribs and points on top of the backbone. These should be easily felt, with just a small amount of underlying fat.
How can I reduce my pet’s weight?
Weight gain is caused by taking in too many calories and not burning enough off through exercise; in other words, an imbalance between calorie intake and exercise output. The most effective and healthy way to reduce your pet’s weight is to cut down the calories and increase the exercise.
Your veterinarian may recommend starting a weight loss program by switching to a commercial reducing diet that is high in nutrition but low in calories. New diets should always be introduced gradually because sudden changes can lead to digestive upsets.
Any other hints for helping my pet lose weight?
Breaking up the daily amount of food into several small feedings can help distract your pet from the fact that it is eating fewer calories. Avoid feeding any snacks (including dog biscuits or pet treats) between meals, and never feed table scraps, which are nearly always high in calories and low in nutrients.
The new diet should be coupled with an exercise program to get your pet’s metabolism going. It’s best to begin gradually, starting with short walks and then increasing their length.
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Reprinted with permission from WebVet, LLC. This article and other great information for pet owners can be found at www.webvet.com.
© WebVet, LLC, 2009. Reprinted with permission
