Worried your pet might be tipping the scale too much? Being overweight is a major cause of concern for domesticated pets like cats and dogs. Having extra weight can severely restrict your pet's movements and also cause damage to their well-being. Studies show that being over the ideal weight puts pets at a higher risk of contracting diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and more. If your pet has weight concerns, call us at 519-360-4508 for a weight management consultation.

How should I begin a weight loss program for my dog?

Firstly, you should never put your pet on a diet without veterinary consultation. Sometimes, the underlying cause of weight gain could be a disease, not a diet. A veterinarian can conduct a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to see if it's a disease that's causing the weight gain. After the diagnosis, the vet will discuss your pet's diet plan and help you get started.

Why should my pet be on a diet to lose weight? Will extra exercise not help reduce the weight?

Weight loss is about calories. You reduce the number of calories going in and increase the number of calories going out. This is why diet is an integral part of the weight loss journey. If you increase your pet's walking or playing time, there is no guarantee that they can reduce their weight to match the ideal weight. You can achieve the most optimum result only when you control the calories your pet is consuming.

How do I find out the ideal weight for my pet?

Veterinarians know the exact way to calculate your pet's ideal weight. Based on the breed, size, and age, vets can calculate the ideal weight they should be at. With this figure calculated, the vet will set a target weight to begin with and slowly ease your pet into the weight-loss process.