Weight Management for Pets

It may make them extra cute and cuddly, but being overweight can pose serious health problems for your furry friend. Pets carrying additional fat are more likely to have a shorter lifespan, along with several other complications. If you think your pet needs to lose (or gain) a few pounds, please don’t hesitate to ask for our help. All you have to do is give us a call at 519-307-2510.

How many treats should I give my pet?

Portions will vary depending on each pet and species so it’s best to ask your veterinarian. That being said, a good rule of thumb is that treats should make up less than 10% of your pet’s daily food intake. This can look like one large doggie biscuit per day or a handful of kibble that you can give out all throughout the day. Giving your pet too many doggy cupcakes or human food scraps can cause nutritional imbalance. Many human foods are also toxic for pets, so it is best to stick with pet food.

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

Knowing if a pet is overweight (or underweight) is actually more difficult than you might imagine. Seeing your pet everyday makes you less perceptive of any changes to their appearance. According to a recent study on owners with overweight pets, 39% failed to notice that their pets were unhealthy. Some signs you can watch out for are lack of definition between their waist and stomach, no longer being able to feel their lower ribs, difficulty breathing and difficulty walking.

How can you help my pet lose or gain weight?

After a through exam, our team will develop a wellness plan for your pet’s unique needs. You will be given advice on feeding frequency, portion sizes, formulations/ brands/ supplements to consider, ways to re-train or change your pet’s eating habits and more. We will also schedule follow-up appointments to track progress.