Is Your Pet Overweight? How to Help Them Lose Weight Safely
As pet owners, we want our furry friends to live long, happy, and healthy lives. Unfortunately, one of the most common health issues is obesity. Just like in humans, obesity in pets can lead to a host of serious health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and much more.
Helping your pet achieve a healthy weight can not only improve their quality of life but can also extend their lifespan. At Milton Keynes Veterinary Group, we’re committed to helping you keep your pet at a healthy weight and avoid the complications of obesity.
Why Pet Obesity Is a Problem
Carrying extra weight puts strain on your pet’s joints, bones, and organs, leading to conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Liver Disease
- Reduced Lifespan
If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, Milton Keynes Veterinary Group is here to provide professional guidance and care.
How to Know if Your Pet Is Overweight
To determine if your pet is overweight, you can check for the following signs:
- Ribs are hard to feel: When you run your hands over your pet’s rib cage, you should be able to feel the ribs without too much pressure. If you can’t feel them easily, your pet might be overweight.
- Abdominal fat: Ideally, your pet’s abdomen should tuck up slightly behind their ribs. If the abdomen hangs or is round, it’s a sign your pet may be carrying extra weight.
- Difficulty moving: If your pet has trouble walking, climbing stairs, or playing, their extra weight might be a contributing factor.
To get an accurate assessment of your pet’s weight, don’t hesitate to reach out to Milton Keynes Veterinary Group. Our team of experienced veterinary professionals can help you determine whether your pet is overweight and suggest a healthy weight goal.
Potential Health Risks of Overweight Pets
In addition to the diseases mentioned above, obesity can lead to:
- Respiratory issues: Extra fat can compress the diaphragm, making it harder for your pet to breathe properly.
- Reproductive problems: Obesity can affect your pet’s fertility, leading to difficulties in mating or complications during pregnancy.
- Behavioural changes: Overweight pets may experience lower energy levels, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle and less interaction with their owners.
Tips for Healthy Weight Loss in Pets
- Consult Your Veterinary Practice
Before beginning any weight loss plan, it’s essential to obtain guidance from a vet or veterinary nurse. They will help you determine your pet’s ideal weight, identify any underlying health conditions that may contribute to obesity, and develop a personalised plan that suits your pet’s needs. At Milton Keynes Veterinary Group, our team of professionals can provide the guidance necessary for a safe and effective weight loss plan.
- Portion Control is Key
One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is overfeeding their pets. Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) and giving excessive treats can lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead, measure your pet’s food according to the recommended daily serving size based on their ideal weight. Our team at Milton Keynes Veterinary Group can provide specific recommendations tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and activity level.
- Use a food scale: This ensures you’re offering the correct portion size and prevents “eyeballing” amounts that can lead to overfeeding.
- Choose healthy treats: Instead of high-calorie, store-bought treats, try giving your pet lower-calorie foods, or also break their regular food into small portions as treats.
- Gradual Weight Loss
Just like humans, pets should lose weight gradually. Aim for about 1-2% of their body weight per week. Rapid weight loss can be harmful, leading to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and more. At Milton Keynes Veterinary Group, we can help monitor your pet’s progress and adjust their plan as needed.
- Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Regular exercise is an essential component of any weight loss plan. The type of exercise will depend on your pet’s breed, age, and health status, but there are plenty of fun ways to get your pet moving:
- For dogs: Walks, playtime in the yard, fetch, or swimming (which is great for dogs with joint issues).
- For cats: Interactive toys like feather wands, or puzzle feeders to encourage movement and mental stimulation.
Try to gradually increase your pet’s activity level, starting with short sessions and working up to longer, more frequent exercise. Keep it fun to ensure that exercise remains a positive experience for your pet!
- Choose a Healthy Diet
Switching to a calorie-controlled, nutritionally balanced diet is a great way to help your pet shed pounds. Your vet at Milton Keynes Veterinary Group may recommend a weight management formula or a prescription diet designed specifically for weight loss. Make sure the food you choose meets your pet’s nutritional needs, so they stay healthy and energetic while losing weight.
By taking steps to address obesity now, you’re giving your pet the best chance for a long, healthy, and active future. Milton Keynes Veterinary Group is here to help guide you and your pet on this journey, ensuring they remain at a healthy weight and enjoy a comfortable life.
Kim, one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses, leads Milton Keynes Veterinary Group’s Nutrition Clinics . Held with Kim at Walnut Tree and Stoke Road surgeries, the clinics are included at no extra cost for our Healthy Pet Club members (if you’re not a member, the first appointment will incur a charge, but all follow-up appointments are then free). Kim will work with you to develop a nutrition plan that suits you and your pets lifestyle, helping you reach your pets target weight or support their nutritional needs. Please speak to our Client Care team if you would like to know more or get booked in.