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Mira Mar Vet, your local vet in Albany

Is my pet overweight?

by | Oct 5, 2017 | Pet Care

Is my pet overweight?

You are probably well aware that if your pet is pudgy they have an increased risk of suffering from heart disease, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis and diabetes. But alarmingly, most people aren’t even aware that their pet is overweight.

Here are our top tips for determining if your pet is carrying a few too many kilos:

When you look at your pet from above they will have lost definition of their waist. Instead of an hourglass figure they might look more like an egg on legs!
You can no longer easily feel their ribs when you run your hands over their sides
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.

The good news is that getting your pet to lose weight is easier than you think! Physical exercise will help but it is crucial that you are feeding your pet the correct diet and the right amount. This is something we can help you out with. There are diets available that will actually help your pet lose weight, including one to increase your pet’s metabolic rate.

When it comes to fighting the flab and counting the calories, we are here to help!