Weight Management for Pets

Being overweight is a growing issue for cats and dogs as many of them don't get much exercise and/or their food portions are too large. Obesity can lead to life-altering conditions in pets and shorten their lives. The good thing is, with the right help, your dog or cat can get to a healthy weight. At Cochrane Animal Clinic, our veterinarians create individualized weight loss plans to get the best results.

How can I recognize obesity in my pet?

It is easy to know when your canine or feline friend is overweight. Physical signs will include excess fat covering the rib cage, fat hanging from the abdomen which swings when they move, and a disappearing waistline. A veterinarian can confirm whether your pet is obese or overweight by weighing your pet and seeing where they score on a body condition score chart.

What are the long-term effects of pet obesity?

When obesity is not treated in cats and dogs, it shortens their lifespan. Your pet is more susceptible to diseases that will lower their quality of life. All of your pet's organ systems will struggle to function when they have excess weight. Obese and overweight pets often develop the following diseases:

1. Arthritis
2. Diabetes
3. Liver disease
4. Increased surgical/anesthetic risk
5. Hypertension
6. Cancer

How does weight management work?

Our weight management program gives pet owners the right tools to help their cat or dog lose weight. We recommend different approaches such as prescription diets, exercise, reducing treats, and scheduling meal times. Combining these approaches can help your loyal companion lose weight without compromising their health. Remember, creating your own diet without a veterinarian's help can cause nutrient deficiencies which can lead to more problems. To work with our veterinarians to create a weight loss plan tailored for your pet, please call us at 403-932-5875.