How do I know if my pet is overweight?
Pets come in all shapes and sizes and there’s not an ideal weight for every breed of dog or cat. The fact is, many pets are overweight and alarmingly, most people aren’t even aware of what to look for.
Here are our top tips for determining if your pet is carrying a few too many kilos:
- Look at your pet from above – they will have lost definition of their waist. Instead of an hourglass figure, they may resemble a barrel on legs!
2. Have a feel of your pet’s ribs – you will no longer easily feel their ribs when you run your hands over their sides.
3. Can you see their neck? A very obese pet may have neck fat, a pendulous tummy as well as fat deposits over the hips.
The very best way to determine whether your pet is overweight is to drop in for a weight check with us. This will allow us to score your pet’s body condition and, if necessary, start a weight loss plan.
Thankfully, getting your pet to lose weight is easier than you think. Physical exercise will help but it is absolutely crucial that you are feeding your pet the correct diet and the right amount. You also need to ensure all family members are on the same page (so Dad, this means no sneaking them toast at the breakfast table!)
The best news is, there are diets available that will actually help your pet lose weight, including one to increase your pet’s metabolic rate. We are happy to say that many of our patients have had great success with these so you should ask us for more information.