As pet lovers we like to spoil our companions from time to time. Keeping this in mind, it is important to keep our pets healthy throughout their life. Obesity in pets in one of the most common health concerns seen in veterinary medicine. Lack of exercises and an unhealthy diet are the main reasons. Being underweight and overweight can make dogs and cats more prone to other diseases like arthritis, respiratory issues, diabetes and liver diseases. Here at Animal 911 Hospital, we want to make your pets health a priority and help you get your pet’s life more comfortable.
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
A consultation with a veterinarian or veterinary technician examining your pet’s body condition is the way to determine whether or not your pet is overweight. Our team will determine your pet’s body condition score during his appointment with us.
More precisely, using the body condition score (BCS) is the best way to know whether or not your pet is overweight. It is a scale measured from 1-5 used to determine whether an animal is underweight or overweight. 1 is considered extremely underweight, whereas 5 is considered obese. It works both by touch and sight and therefore gives a better indication of your pet’s overall health than taking his weight alone.
Can I feed my pet human food?
To protect your pet’s general health, it is better to only feed your cat and your dog with food that is made specifically for them. Pets have opposite diet requirements from us and even thought some food can be tolerated, it is always best concentrate on foods that are meant for your companion. As you probably know, some foods that we consume regularly can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Here is a list below of certain foods and ingredients that you should avoid giving your pet:
- Apple seeds
- Alcohol
- Avocados
- Candy
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Salt
- Tea
What is offered during a nutritional consultation?
As mentioned, obesity can lead to more serious diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Keeping your pet within a healthy weight bracket is one of many ways to ensure his overall health.
At Animal 911, we only want what is in the best interest of your pet. Our dedicated staff takes the time to go over a weight loss regime that can get your furry friend back on track to being as healthy as he can possibly be. This usually includes a diet change, an increase in exercise and monthly follow up visits to track your pet’s progress. We also have a physiotherapy team that can work with your pet to further pursue any weight loss goals.
If you think your pet may be overweight, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinary team for more information.