Avoiding Obesity in Your Pet

Pets can struggle with their weight just like humans do! However, for your pet to live a long and healthy life, it is essential to take steps to avoid pet obesity. Below are some tips from Hillview Veterinary Clinic in Reynoldsburg, OH, to help your pet avoid obesity.

What weight should your pet be?

Just like humans, not all pets are the same weight, and pet owners must know their pet's ideal weight based on its breed, size, and age. When you bring your pet in for a check-up, we can advise you if your pet is over or underweight and provide some guidelines on how to check. For example, you want to be able to feel your pet's ribs but not see them.

Exercise

Ensuring your pet gets the appropriate amount of exercise is an important part of preventing obesity. Power walking with your pet is a great way to make sure it is getting the appropriate amount of exercise and burning calories. As your pet gets older, you will want to do more frequent but less straining exercises with it to avoid injury.

Pet Nutrition 

It is important to make sure you are not overfeeding your pet. If you feed the pet the correct amount as directed by the instructions based on your pet's size, it should not be gaining weight. If it is gaining weight, you may want to adjust the portion sizes. However, if your pet is still gaining weight, it is most likely due to its extra treats! Cut back on the treats and any human food you may be giving it from the dinner table. If cutting down on portions does not work, the vet can prescribe a special low-calorie food.

Improve Your Pet's Health Today

If you feel your pet is obese, make an appointment with our Reynoldsburg, OH, veterinarian today. We can develop a plan to help your pet lose weight and get healthy. Call Hillview Veterinary Clinic at 614-866-2290 to schedule an appointment.