Weight Loss Support
What is Pet Obesity?
At CHVC in Prince George, we’ll build a weight loss plan for your dogs, cats, and ferrets suffering from obesity to get them back to a healthy, happy weight.
A pet is considered obese if they weight more than 20% over their ideal body weight and overweight at 10% – 20% over their ideal body weight.
Pets can easily become overweight, not just from overfeeding or lack of exercise but due to other health issues as well, such as low thyroid levels and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, some pets are genetically predisposed to gain weight and sometimes it is just a factor of age and breed.
However it happens, it is a serious health concern. We can help you manage your pet’s weight and weight loss journey. You should never put a pet on a diet without veterinary supervision as rapid weight loss or weight loss with inappropriate food can be very dangerous.
How to Tell if Your Pet is Obese
Not sure if your pet is overweight?
As a rule of thumb, if you have trouble feeling your pet’s ribs, spine, or hip bones, or if they have no visible waist when you look at them from above, they could be dangerously overweight.
What to Expect from a Weight loss Consultation for Pets
Working with you to determine a plan of action.
When you bring your pet in for a wellness check we’ll perform a physical exam and determine how your pet’s weight compares to the standards for their age, breed, and species. Then we’ll work with you to determine a diet and exercise plan that will help get your pet back to being healthy and happy.
We may also recommend a schedule of visits going forward to ensure that your pet’s weight loss is on track, they’re gaining enough nutrients, and that no other health complications are appearing as a result.
Negative Health Consequences of Obesity
Shortened life span and increased health risks.
Pet obesity is linked to a shortened life span and increased risk of conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. A list of the medical complications linked with obesity include:
