Your Animal’s Weight
• Though a few extra pounds may seem like they can't hurt, obesity can be a life-threatening condition for your pet.
• Excess weight in pets can lead to osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury, and many forms of cancer.
• Maintaining an optimal weight for our pets contributes to a healthier life. Our pets will have more energy, live longer, and enjoy lots of activities with you.
• Your veterinarian will rely on you to take an active role in helping to keep your pet at a healthy weight.
• Weight management can be very challenging for both veterinarians and clients because it is such a complex condition, which requires individualized and lifelong treatment.
• Veterinarians and pet owners have to work together.
• Up to 59 percent of dogs and cats are overweight, making it the most common nutritional disorder identified in veterinary practice.
• Your pet may be overweight, but you may not realize it.
• Carrying a few extra pounds may not sound like a big deal, but it has been shown to be associated with skin and respiratory disorders, as well as kidney dysfunction.
• It also increases the risk of orthopedic disease, some types of cancer, and metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as diabetes.
• Ask your veterinarian for a nutritional recommendation on what type of food is best for your pet given his age and lifestyle.
• Use rewards, such as chasing a ball, tugging with a toy, squeaky toy, etc., rather than food rewards when training your pet.
• Maintain exercise and activity for your pet.
• Understand pet food labels and feeding recommendations.
• Weight management is a key part of your pet’s health. Ask your veterinarian how you can work together to keep your pet healthy.