Weight Management in Pets: Tips for Preventing Obesity
A few extra pounds might seem harmless, but they can quietly shorten your pet’s lifespan. Pet obesity is linked to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and more—but with the right plan, you can help your furry friend stay fit and active.
Why Pet Weight Matters
Overweight pets face higher risks for chronic illness and joint pain. Maintaining a healthy weight helps improve energy, mobility, and even lifespan.
How to Tell If Your Pet Is Overweight
You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If you’re unsure, ask your vet for a body condition score evaluation.
Healthy Weight Management Tips
- Measure Meals
Avoid free-feeding. Use a measuring cup to portion food and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. - Choose High-Quality Nutrition
A balanced diet tailored to your pet’s age, size, and activity level supports metabolism and joint health. - Encourage Daily Exercise
Short walks, play sessions, or interactive toys can help your pet burn calories and stay mentally stimulated. - Regular Checkups
Routine weigh-ins allow your vet to monitor progress and adjust feeding plans as needed.
When to Seek Help
If your pet struggles to lose weight or shows signs of lethargy, joint stiffness, or excessive hunger, your veterinarian can rule out metabolic issues and design a personalized plan.
Keep Your Pet Active and Healthy
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most powerful ways to support your pet’s long-term wellness.
Call us or book your appointment online today
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At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.