Addressing Obesity in Pets

A couple extra pounds on your pet may not seem like a big deal, but obesity can be a huge health factor to your furry family member. More than half of the dogs and cats in the United States are considered overweight and, unfortunately, those numbers continue to grow. Thankfully, there are steps that pet owners can take to help get your pet’s weight back on track.

Ask about Dietary Versions of Your Pet’s Food

One of the easiest ways to switch up a diet is to literally change the kind of pet food that your dog or cat eats. Typically, there’s a dietary version of the current brand of food your pet is eating, so switching that over shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Don’t be afraid to ask us about the best kind of food for your pet’s new diet.

Eliminate the Table Scraps

No matter how sweet and cute your pet may look, it’s important to keep the rule of no table scraps, no matter what. The more you give them your food, the more you’re enabling them. Pets also don’t have the same kind of digestive system as humans do, so it can take them that much longer to pass food through that’s made for our bodies and not theirs. This can also cause excess weight to stick around much longer.

The Impacts of Obesity on Your Pet

Not only will obesity affect your pet in an obvious way, but there are other health conditions that they can experience if the issue isn’t properly addressed. Other problems can include diabetes, pancreatitis, hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and a shortened life expectancy. Of course, every pet is different in their own, unique way, so don’t hesitate to ask us what the appropriate weight your pet should be and how we can help address and help get rid of a few extra pounds.