Weight Management for Pets

It's fairly easy to overfeed your loyal companion even when you don't mean to. Food in the correct amounts will nourish your pet and make them happy, but too much can cause various health issues for them. A large number of cats and dogs are currently overweight or obese. To help manage this problem our hospital offers a weight management program that can be tailored to the patient.

How do I know if I am overfeeding my pet?

The best option is to have one of our veterinarians determine the ideal amount you should be feeding your cat or dog. Our team will consider your pet's current health status, lifestyle, metabolism, and their breed to ensure they are being fed the right amount. Each animal is different and following portion sizes on food labels might not be the best approach. During a weight management consultation we will recommend a customized diet that gives your pet their daily caloric needs. To learn more, call us at 705-431-5570.

What are the risks of my pet being overweight?

Carrying excess fat will affect your pet's organ function and eventually their overall health. Your feline and canine friend will have difficulty breathing, less mobility, anesthetic complications, and decreased longevity. Overweight pets have a shorter life expectancy of up to 2 ½ years in comparison to pets that are at a healthy weight. Overweight pets are often diagnosed with the following illnesses:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Heart and respiratory disease
• Hypertension
• Urinary bladder stones

How can I keep my pet's weight under control?

Our team will provide you with the right tools to effectively help your pet lose weight. We will include a prescription diet that reduces or replaces certain items in their meals. Your veterinarian will recommend nutrient-rich foods, setting a feeding schedule, portion sizes, treats, and caloric intake. Adding some amount of exercise to your pet's routine can also help them lose weight. During the patient's journey, our team will have consultations to see how the new diet and lifestyle are helping them. Once your canine/feline pal reaches their goal weight, our team will provide tips to help them maintain it. Portion control will be important to ensure your pet doesn't regain what they lost.