Why You Should Be Concerned About Your Pet's Weight

We'll get right to it; a fat pet is no laughing matter. Pet weight loss often does not get the attention it deserves, even though their weight is crucial to their health. At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, we are happy to provide nutritional counseling for a wide range of pets. Bring your dog or cat in for an appointment, so we can properly assess their current weight and nutritional needs. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about your pet's weight and why you should care. 

How Much Exercise do Pets Actually Need?

It's no secret that both dogs and cats need plenty of exercise for a happy, healthy life. But how much exercise do they actually need? The truth is that there is no "one size fits all" (no pun intended) answer to this question, specifically when it comes to dogs. Various dog breeds need different amounts of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. That said, it is generally recommended that dogs spend at least 30 minutes a day getting active exercise. Many dogs will do better with more than this, and you may find that your dog thrives on two hours of active running around. 

With cats, things are a little different. After all, they spend most of the day sleeping. However, they still need between 10 and 15 minutes a day of active playtime. Getting them a cat stand with a dangling toy can help, especially if you are not able to actively play with them every day. 

Consulting with your veterinarian about your pet's exercise needs will give you a better idea of how active they should be every day. 

How Being Overweight Affects Your Pet's Well-being

If your dog or cat is overweight, you may have already noticed that they are slower and not as active or playful as they once were. However, there are a lot of underlying health issues that come with their weight that you may not be able to see. Being overweight puts your pet at risk from a wide variety of heart and cardiovascular problems, in addition to a wide range of other health conditions. Overweight dogs and cats may also be more likely to get cancer in the future. At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, we often see how pet weight loss can immediately improve these odds and extend the life of your pet. 

What They Eat is as Important as How Much They Eat

Just as with humans, dogs and cats need good nutrition in addition to portion control. Consulting with a veterinarian from our animal hospital can help you better understand your pet's nutritional needs and give you a better idea of what they should and should not be eating. With detailed nutritional counseling, we can also work with you to construct a diet plan for your pet that works for their specific needs. 

Do you have more questions about pet weight loss and nutrition? Call us at Northwood Veterinary Hospital or bring your furry friend in for a visit. We would be happy to help your pet live a long and healthy life.