Weight Loss for Your Pet

 

If your pet is carrying a few extra pounds he or she is more likely to develop other medical problems such as joint disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To help keep your pet healthy and happy, a weight loss plan may be needed. Here are a few ideas and steps for helping your pet maintain a healthy weight.

 

First, determine if your pet needs to lose a few pounds. If you are unsure consult with your veterinarian and they can help you set a goal of how many pounds your pet needs to lose. If your pet needs to lose a significant amount of weight it is helpful to set several smaller goals such as 5 pounds in 2 months and repeat this until an ideal weight is reached. This allows you to see the progress your pet is making.

 

Select a feeding plan to help your pet lose weight. Sometimes just decreasing the amount of food your pet is eating is enough to help meet weight loss goals. Other times you may need to change to a diet designed for weight loss. Your veterinarian can help you determine which food and how much you should feed based on the caloric needs of your pet.

 

Treats are another area that will need some changes. Many of the treats our pets enjoy are very fattening but there are alternatives that will help them in their weight loss. A few low calorie treats for dogs include baby carrots, green beans, and popcorn (no butter). All treats should be given in moderation and should be taken into account when determining the amount of food your pet is eating.

 

Exercise is another key to weight loss. Daily walking or playing will help keep your pet active and increase the amount of energy being used. This allows your pet to burn those calories he or she eats. Rotating toys may help keep interest in toys and encourage your pet to play more.

 

After setting up a weight loss plan for your pet it is important to monitor the progress. Weighing your pet regularly will allow you to see how well the weight loss plan is working. You can stop in to weigh your pet at any time. Sometimes a weight loss plan does not help; your veterinarian may need to do some blood work or other testing to see if there is an underlying disorder preventing your pet from losing weight. If you think your pet needs to lose some weight, talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan at your next visit.