Weight Management for Pets

A few extra pounds on your pet may make them extra sweet and cuddly for hugs, but it can do more harm than good in the long-term. Here at Delton Veterinary Hospital, we are pet parents like you and we understand how difficult it is to resist spoiling pets with treats and yummy food. If you think your pet may be overweight (or underweight) we can help you get them to a much healthier weight range. With pets, this is more complicated than simply giving them less food and taking them out on more walks. We recommend reaching out to our team at 780-475-9225 for professional techniques.

What happens when a dog or cat is overweight?

No matter their breed or species, carrying too much weight is bad for all pets. Did you know pets who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop dozens of health complications? Some of these include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Decreased life span

How can I help my pet lose weight?

The first step, in our opinion, is to take them to our hospital for a one-on-one consultation. Aside from an inadequate diet and lack of exercise, being overweight may also be a symptom of an underlying disease. During a check-up we can determine the cause of your pet’s weight gain (or weight loss) and provide you with the correct action plan.

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

Yes, it’s trickier with pets especially since there is such a wide variety of species and breeds. Some pets are naturally heavier while others are naturally thin (e.g. whippet dogs and greyhounds). A general rule of thumb is if your pet is healthy, you should be able to feel the last row of their ribs underneath their skin without much fat and their shoulders should be wider than their stomachs. Pets at a healthy weight will also have no trouble with physical activities like walking, running, swimming and going up the stairs.