5 questions to ask if your pet is obese

Being overweight increases your pet’s risk for developing serious weight related disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease and cancer. It’s never too late to reduce your pet’s chances of contracting one of these serious disorders. Early recognition and awareness is the best defense against many diseases. Asking these five questions may just may save a pet’s life.

Is my pet overweight?

You should be able to easily feel – and count – your pet’s ribs when you lightly run your fingers across the side of their body. When you look down on your pet from above, you should see an indentation near the midsection and when you observe your pet from the side as it stands, you should see a slight tuck or upward slope of the tummy. An abdomen that hangs low and drags near the ground indicates the most dangerous form of fat, abdominal fat, is present.  

How many calories should I feed my pet each day?

You need to know the precise numbers of calories and nutrients your pet needs. That way, regardless of the type, brand, or formulation of food you feed, you can determine how much to feed. 

Your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s caloric needs (dependent on your pet’s daily exercise, type of food, age, etc.) Don’t forget to include any treats in your daily caloric counts.

How much weight should my pet lose in a month?

If your pet is like the majority of dogs and cats, they will need to shed a few unhealthy pounds of excess fat. Ask your veterinarian how much weight your pet needs to lose and how long it should take to SAFELY reach a healthy weight. Withholding food or making changes too quickly can rapidly lead to life threatening medical conditions.

Losing weight isn’t easy or fast for pets, especially cats. Patience is essential with pet weight loss. It can take months to lose the necessary weight. The end result is a happy lifetime maintaining their new healthy figure!

What kind of exercise should my pet do?

Ask your veterinarian how much time you should spend helping your pet exercise each day, but also ask what types of activities are best based on your pet’s species, breed, age, gender, and current physical abilities. Then find what interests and intellectually stimulates your pet. 

Cat parents, please don’t forget to ask this question. Whether you play with a feather duster or laser pointer, move the food bowl, or use a hip, high-tech toy, engage your cat’s inner predator and encourage it to pounce, leap, and prowl every day.

Is my pet at risk of a medical problem due to excess weight?

Have an honest conversation with your veterinarian to find out if your pet is potentially facing a weight-related disorder. If they are, ask what can you do to reduce their odds of developing one of these conditions and help them on the path to a healthier life!