Makes sense this we know we should do this for ourselves and our pets are no different. One of the easiest things to happen in some pets is to let them get overweight. It creeps up; they look cute and pudgy and seem happy that you are feeding them the whole time. Of course they are they're simple creatures, they love their grub, they are programmed to eat whenever food presents itself (they may have only eaten a few times a week in the wild after all) and the poor dears know no better! But you do!! Be the brains of the outfit, restrict their diet to what they need and if they are overweight there is only ONE reason YOU are feeding them more than they are burning off. Simple as that.
My vet says my pet is overweight but I only feed him a small amount of food?
Very rarely dogs can have a disease predisposing to weight gain such as hypothyroidism (which, by the way, is easily diagnosed and treated) but in general if more goes in than goes out then it stays on as fat same as ourselves. And fat only goes on when more goes in than goes out. There is no other way for it to get there! So if your pet is fat you're feeding too much!! Don't forget pets are small a slice of toast for a terrier (6kg body weight) is like us (80kg) eating 15 slices of toast!
OK, ok, ok, I get the point, you're right. What can we do to get the weight down?
Simple - if your pet is putting on weight then reduce what you are feeding them and increase their exercise. Your dog will much prefer an extra walk and run than a few biscuits, your cat will love chasing a (pretend) mouse on a piece of string or a laser pointer on a wall.
A slim pet will live a longer happier life and run less risk of developing problems such as diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease. Much the same as us!
If you're having problems chat to the nurses who will advise you of your pet's ideal weight, the different type of food you can use (there is low fat pet food!) and will be delighted to see you regularly for weigh-ins and may even reward you if the weight keeps dropping. Weightwatchers for pets does exist right here!
In very rare cases of obesity which is not really responding to diet and exercise, and where no underlying medical reason is found, we may discuss with you the use of certain medications & supplements which can act to block absorption of fat in the intestine and/or decrease the appetite.
9: WEIGHT CONTROL :: KEY POINTS
• Know your pet's ideal weight ask your vet for their opinion, they have plenty of experience of what normal' is better than any chart or book
• Weigh your pet at least twice a year your vets can do it for you on their veterinary weighing scales, free of charge
• You should be able feel your pet's ribs and perhaps see the last few. If you can't feel them your pet is too fat!
• There is only one reason for being overweight too much food and not enough exercise!
• There is only one way to lose weight - eat less and exercise more!
• There are diet foods available which help a lot and have all the other nutrients your pet needs ask the nurses in your veterinary practice
• Rarely pets have endocrine or glandular' conditions which can predispose to being overweight your vet can test for these if suspicious and most are readily treatable
