Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Fit.
Feeding the correct diet in the right amount is a must for a long and healthy life for your pet.
Weight gain in pets is normally the result of an increase in body fat. This is most commonly
caused by a pet eating too much, especially when combined with a lack of or decrease in
exercise. If more energy is being taken in from food than the body is using, the surplus will be
stored in the body as fat.
By maintaining a healthy weight you can help to reduce the risks associated with obesity and
help your pet lead a longer, more energetic life.
The effects of obesity
Did you know that overweight pets live an average of 2 years less than pets that are of
optimum weight?
Obesity is a serious problem in pets, and just like in people, can lead to some very serious
diseases:
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Diabetes Mellitus
Cardiovascular Disease - heart disease
Degenerative Joint & Orthopedic Disease (DJD)
Joint Stress/Musculoskeletal Pain
Exercise intolerance
Increased surgical and anesthetic complications
Neurological disorders (for example, disk disorders)
Respiratory problems
Skin problems
Premature aging
Heat Intolerance
Hypertension - high blood pressure
Decreased quality of life
Susceptibility to infections
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Research has shown that around 56% of dogs and 32% of cats are overweight to some
degree. In contrast, only 22% of dog owners think that their pet has a weight problem!
Weight gain in pets is generally a result of too many calories and not enough exercise. If a pet
takes in more calories than they expend, the excess is stored in the body as fat.
By maintaining a healthy weight, you can help your pet have a longer, happier and healthier
life!
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
These are some of the key things we look for in pets to determine if they are overweight:
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Ribs can't be easily felt when running your hands along their sides.
Loss of an obvious waist.
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You have had to loosen your pet's collar several times over the past year, and not
because they are a growing puppy!
Your pet is not as active as they used to be.
Your pet may being having trouble getting up or down, or move more slowly.
Your pet may become short of breath after activity
I think my pet needs to lose weight. What now?
If your pet has had a recent veterinary visit with us, call us to set up an appointment with one of
our Veterinary Technicians. Our Veterinary Technicians are trained to assess your pet’s body
condition and provide information on diet and exercise requirements. They can work with you
in finding a weight loss plan that works for you and your pet!
If your pet has not had a recent check-up, it is best to make an appointment for an examination
with your veterinarian, before embarking on a weight-loss program.
While the previously mentioned changes are often due to weight gain, they can also indicate
illness or disease.
Why may my pet be overweight?
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Excessive calorie intake (over-eating). This can be due to simply feeding too much of
their regular diet, or over-feeding treats and/or table foods.
Lack of exercise
Appetite-stimulating drug therapy (for example, steroid use)
Decreased energy requirements (for example, Hypothyroid disease)
What is the Pawsitively Fit Program?
One of our trained technicians will prepare a weight management program for your pet. This
will include a nutritional plan and an exercise program, with target weight goals established.
The program and targets will be created in consideration with your pets’ age, breed, health and
lifestyle.
Regular, complimentary, follow-up progress visits including frequent weigh-ins will help keep
you and your pet on track, as well as provide opportunities for us to discuss any concerns you
may have.