Many pets are overweight or obese. Just like humans, pets that are overweight are at higher risk of suffering from many health problems that can be costly to treat and will reduce your pets quality and length of life. Problems associated with being overweight include type 2 diabetes, reduced mobility and osteoarthritis, heart disease and increased risk of injury (especially ligament tears).
Refer to the body condition score chart to assess if your pet is overweight or ask the veterinarian.
Run your hands over the pets ribs, you should be able to feel the ribs, spine and hip bones through a small layer of flesh, but you should not be able to see them.
Get your pet to stand. When looking at your pet from above, you should be able to see a waistline, behind the ribs and before the hips. When looking at your pet from the side you should be able to see an obvious abdominal tuck.
Bring in your pet in for a free weigh-in at Monier Veterinary Clinic for an initial consult with the nurse and come up with a plan to progress and get that excess weight off.
The principal of weight loss is increase exercise and decrease calorie intake.
The key to maintaining the weight loss program is commitment to routine. The benefits are that you and your pet will live longer and be healthier and happier!
At Monier Veterinary Clinic we are here to help you every step of the way.