Weight Management for Pets

Weight management plans help overweight dogs and cats achieve a healthy weight with diet and lifestyle modifications. Excess weight can increase your dog or cat’s risk of developing health issues. As pets grow older, carrying extra weight can significantly affect their overall well-being and longevity.

How do I know if my dog or cat needs weight management?

Prior to initiating a weight management plan for your dog or cat, we evaluate factors such as their weight. Currently, overweight pets are prevalent, with approximately 70% carrying excess pounds. This lack of awareness leaves owners uncertain about their ideal weight range. Taking into account their breed, age, and lifestyle, we determine whether they require weight loss to achieve a healthy range. Typically, overweight dogs or cats surpass a healthy weight by 10-20%.

How can I help my dog or cat lose weight?

Weight management includes helpful guidelines on ways you can support your dog or cat during their weight loss. One essential part of the process is consistency. In the beginning, it could feel like your dog or cat isn’t making much progress because they aren’t losing weight quickly. However, don’t feel discouraged by this. A few weeks of consistent effort can make all the difference. It’s also important to follow the weight management plan closely, which includes guidelines about adjusting your dog or cat’s caloric intake and integrating more exercise into their daily routine. You’ll also need to break them out of bad habits like begging or overindulging in treats. By using strategies like structured mealtimes, your dog or cat will adjust to the changes.

Does weight management end after achieving a healthy weight?

Once your dog or cat achieves their goal, we’ll shift our focus from weight management to maintenance. This means continuing to eat appropriate foods and engaging in physical activity to ensure they don’t regain the weight they’ve lost. Our veterinary team will continue to support you through this process with follow-up weight check-ins. If you’re interested in learning more about weight management, please contact us at 905-945-8631.