Your pet’s weight is more important than you think. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats in the US are obese or overweight. 22% of dog owners and 15% of cat owners said their pet’s weight was normal when it was actually overweight or obese. Of course, these weight issues can lead to more, serious health problems in the future.
Some of the issues that come from pet obesity include skin issues, chronic inflammation, kidney dysfunction, respiratory issues, and even cancer. We know that these issues can pop up out of nowhere, and we’re here to help. Our UrgentVet mission is simple: We want to be here for your pet when your primary care vet can’t. Our goal is to provide quick, convenient, affordable care 365 days a year.
Need some tips on keeping your pet’s weight in order? We’ve got you covered.
Make sure you’re feeding your pet appropriately.
Your pet’s food should be labeled for her species, and it should be tailored to her needs regarding age, activity level, and health status. If you have a puppy, she’ll benefit from a higher-calorie puppy food. If you have a senior cat with early-stage kidney disease, you should choose a food formulated for cats with kidney disease and feed her the appropriate daily amount based on her activity level.
It’s important to recognize when your pet’s weight is getting out of hand.
When you see your pet every day, it can be difficult to recognize when she’s gained a pound or two. But, a pound or two for a small cat or dog can make a big difference. If your pet is at a healthy weight, you’ll easily be able to feel all of her ribs without seeing them. When viewed from the side, she’ll have an “abdominal tuck,” where there is a clear waistline.
Provide plenty of exercise and activity.
Every good weight loss or maintenance plan includes exercise. Get active with your pet: Increase walking frequency or length with your dog. Encourage your cat to chase a laser pointer or remote-controlled toy. These activities will also help to strengthen the bond you share with your furry pal.
If your pet is suffering from an after-hours issue, we’ll be there to help when they can’t wait to feel better.