No matter what age, we love it when our pets are cuddly and fluffy. However, we sometimes overlook their weight when we embrace and love our pets. It is vital to keep your pet’s weight in check. Obesity or being overweight is linked to serious diseases such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. Our veterinarians can help your pet stay healthy and fit with a weight management plan. If you are worried your pet is overweight, call us at (416) 362-9696 to book your appointment.

How can I help my dog lose weight at home?

If your veterinarian has concluded that your dog is overweight, here are some things that you can do at home to help your dog get in shape:

• Increase the duration and intensity of your daily walks
• Don’t leave food down all the time. Feed your dog at specific times during the day to avoid overfeeding.
• Use measuring cups or a scale to measure food. Such techniques will prevent overfeeding.
• Factor snacks and treats in the daily calorie intake and keep it below 10% of total intake daily.
• Stick to the weight management plan prescribed by the veterinarian.

How should I feed my cat to lose weight?

Our veterinarian can help you answer this question. The veterinarian will first calculate the ideal weight based on your cat’s age, breed, and body size. The vet will suggest a diet plan based on the current and ideal weight difference. Based on the ideal weight, the vet will recommend a daily calorie intake that you will use to feed your cat.

How often should I bring my cat for a weigh-in or follow-up during the weight reduction phase?

Generally, during the weight reduction phase, pets can be weighed monthly to see if the plan is working. The monthly weigh-ins should continue until the ideal weight is reached.