Food always comes as a symbol of love for pets, but unfortunately, too much of it can be dangerous for your pet. Too much food may lead to your pet being overweight. Obesity in cats and dogs is not uncommon. Unhealthy weight gain is a massive problem, because it triggers a host of many health issues. At Northwood Veterinary Hospital in Northwood, NH, we can help. We provide nutritional counseling and can teach you how to keep your pet at a healthy weight.
Risk Factors of Obesity in Pets
Obesity in pets can be caused from a variety of factors. Some common ones include:
- Overfeeding
- Inadequate exercise
- Genetics, since some breeds are more at risk for obesity
- Age
- Concurrent conditions
- Sex of your pet
Consequences of Obesity in Pets
Some of the issues obesity may cause include:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory and heart disease
- Joint injuries
- Kidney dysfunction
- Cancer
Weight management is an essential part of your pet’s overall well-being.
Tips for Keeping Your Pet in Shape
Obesity can affect any pet, young or old. The key to a healthy pet is proper weight management. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that can help your pet live a healthy life. These include:
- Make sure your pets have regular and adequate exercise
- Have your pet assessed by our veterinarian for ideal weight and nutritional counseling
- Use measuring cups to feed your pets and use the appropriate number of cups as directed by our vet
- Be mindful of the number of treats in a day
Naturally, your pet’s weight may change over time, and it can gain weight at any point in its development. To be ahead of the game, be active in monitoring your pet and always consult with our vet.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian
If you are struggling to keep your pet at a healthy weight, our animal hospital can help. At Northwood Veterinary Hospital in Northwood, NH, our veterinary team will provide you with nutritional counseling for your pet and give you pet weight loss tips. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us today.
