Posts Tagged: Pet Obesity

If you think your cute little butterball looks better with a little extra cushion, you’re not alone. Over 50% of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese. 

The problem is, a few extra pounds to a dog or cat is quite a bit of excess weight. Over time, the extra pounds packed on your pet can cause serious health problems and complications that they otherwise wouldn’t have, had they maintained a healthy weight 

Since we want our pets to be the healthiest they can be, while still indulging in the occasional morsel, what’s a well intentioned pet owner to do? Keep reading for ideas from Long Animal Hospital and Emergency Center about how to maintain a healthier weight for your pet.

In the United States, over half of the pet population is overweight or obese. Just as in humans, this can lead to health issues such as joint disease, high blood pressure, organ disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Obesity in pets also negatively impacts quality of life and shortens lifespan.

The good news is that obesity can be managed, and pets can lose weight and become healthier once again. Keep reading for tips on how to tell if your pet is obese and what you can do about it.

Is Your Pet Overweight?

Because pets can accumulate extra weight gradually, you may not even notice that your pet is overweight. To know for sure, we use a tool called a Body Condition Score. This scale is used by veterinarians to standardize the level of a pet’s weight and to formulate a weight loss plan based on lifestyle, age, and breed. Learn more about your pet’s body condition score during their next pet wellness exam. Continue…