This article emphasizes the importance of weight management in pets.
Are chunky pets cute? They can be. Is obesity a serious health condition for pets? Yes! We now know more than ever that pets who are overweight experience more medical problems and decreased lifespans, just as humans do. This article emphasizes the importance of weight management in pets.
Overweight Pets Have Health Risks
An overweight animal is not to be taken lightly. Just like people, pets carrying a few extra pounds are more likely to develop a few health problems. These include:
- High blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer
- Joint conditions
- Respiratory problems
What Should Be Your Pet’s Optimal Weight?
How do you know if your pet is slightly overweight? It should be all fur, right? All pet parents must have a clear idea of their pets’ optimal weights. Notice if you can see a waistline or your pet’s stomach sags from above and from the side. If your pet doesn’t have a thick coat, attempt to observe if you can view ribs or not. It’s also critical to place your hands on your pet. You should be able to feel the ribs quickly without pushing through layers of fat tissue.
Weight management in pets should be taken seriously. During your pet’s wellness visits, you can discuss your pet’s weight with your veterinarian. This will give you an idea of how much work you must do regarding your pet’s overall health.
Weight Management Methods for Pets
As you may expect, pet weight management often involves extra work and devotion. Implementing proper portion control and encouraging exercise is crucial, but pet owners don’t have to be alone. There are various weight management methods for pets, including:
- Diet is critical for pet weight management. At Alexander Animal Hospital, we can assess your pet’s current eating habits and create a diet plan customized to your pet.
- Sometimes pets have an underlying health condition contributing to their weight issues. We can rule these possibilities out to optimize your pet’s overall health.
- Physical rehabilitation isn’t just for injured patients! A wellness exercise program from your vet can encourage weight loss, enhance strength and flexibility, and prevent injury.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!