Overweight Help

It is much easier to prevent excess weight gain than to implement a weight loss regiment. Preventative weight gain can be achieved by measuring food at meal times, restricting the consumption of human food and ensuring your pet gets regular exercise. If your pet does have some weight to lose, our staff will work with you to implement a weight loss routine.

When is a dog considered to be overweight?

Most Veterinary professionals follow a guideline chart called body condition scoring. Looks can be deceiving. That is why the veterinarian or veterinary technologist will run their hands from the dog’s shoulders to the hips and feel the ribs. They are checking how much fat they can feel under their skin and whether they can prominently feel the ribs, spine and hip bones. The body condition score goes from 1 to 9. A score of 4/9 and 5/9 is ideal. We recommend putting your pet on a weight loss regimen if they score anything over a 5/9. Even 5-10 extra pounds increases their risk for other diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, etc. Our staff can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Are some breeds prone to obesity?

Yes, some breeds are more prone to obesity such as Labs, Shih Tzu’s, Pugs and several other breeds. If you have one of these breeds, we may recommend keeping a closer eye on their weight or feeding them a weight management diet to prevent any excess weight gain.

Why should my dog have a weight loss consultation at the hospital?

Our staff can help create a weight loss regimen. First, the veterinarian or veterinary technologist will figure out your dog’s body condition score to determine the target weight loss. We will work with you in selecting a diet and daily feeding amount for your dog to start their weight loss. Losing weight slower increases their chances to keep the excess weight off.