Pet Obesity Awareness Day: Nutritional Counseling & Weight Managment At Signature Veterinary Services
Oct. 09 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and what better way to celebrate than by getting your pet on a healthy diet? Here at Signature Veterinary Services, we specialize in nutritional counseling and weight management for pets, all from the comfort of your home. We know that it is important for owners to be able to provide their pets with the best possible care, and that includes making sure they are eating right and maintaining a healthy weight.
How Do I Know If My Pet Is Overweight or Obese?
If your pet is obese, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see it. According to the experts, dogs and cats are considered overweight if they are at least 10%–20% heavier than their ideal weight. So if your pet is starting to look a bit too round in the middle, or if you’re having trouble seeing their waistline, they may be considered obese. Our Doctors at Signature Veterinary Services recommend pet owners use an easy tool called Purina Body Condition System. Too much body fat can lead to chronic health problems and a shorter lifespan in your pet. The Body Condition Score uses both visual and hands-on evaluations to assess fat cover, providing a more accurate assessment of a pet’s overall health rather than just their weight.
Common Symptoms Of Pet Obesity
When an animal becomes obese, they are at risk for a variety of health problems. The most common symptoms of pet obesity are endocrinopathies, metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, functional alterations, and joint disorders.
Obese animals are also more likely to suffer from respiratory distress, high blood pressure, and various types of cancer.
If you notice your pet is overweight, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up to determine the root of the problem and start them on a weight loss program as soon as possible.
Educate Yourself As A Pet Owner To Make Sure You Are Doing Your Part For Your Pet
Unfortunately, too many pets suffer from obesity due to their owner’s poor understanding of pet nutrition. As your pet’s primary caretaker, it is important for you to understand how to properly feed them in order to prevent obesity and other health problems.
Once you have a plan, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Make sure you are feeding your pet the right amount of food. Many pet foods have guidelines on the packaging that can help you determine how much to feed your pet based on their weight and activity level.
- Avoid human food! We know it's tempting to share those table scraps, but resist the urge. Human food is often high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain in pets.
- Get moving! Exercise is an important part of any weight loss plan, and that includes pets. Take your dog for a walk or play fetch in the yard to help them burn off some extra energy.
These are just a few tips to get you started on the path to better pet nutrition.
Pet Obesity & Nutritional Counseling At Signature Veterinary Services
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with our mobile clinic, contact us today! Pet obesity is a preventable disease that affects millions of dogs and cats in the United States. Just like humans, our pets need regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Call Signature Veterinary Services to talk to one of our experts, and ask about Nutritional Counseling for your pet. Do your part to help stop obesity before it starts.
