Weight Management for Pets

Obesity is a common problem among pets, as it can be easy to over-feed a pet that knows how to beg and tug at the heartstrings. Being overweight is a serious problem and can cause real health issues for your pet as they age. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and be within a healthy weight range (as long as they do not have any other underlying conditions). If you're concerned about your pet's weight, schedule an appointment with us at 416-966-1830.

What happens when my pet is overweight/obese?

Excess body fat will have adverse effects on your pet's health. Their weight will make them less active and cause them to develop several medical problems. Overweight and obese pets often develop:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Urinary Bladder Disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems

What support do you offer to obese pets?

Our veterinarians can help you determine whether your pet is overweight or obese. From there, we can tailor a diet and exercise plan to benefit their weight loss journey. It's important that while your pet loses excess fat, they still get enough nutrients. Some tips we generally recommend for healthy weight loss include:

1. Schedule your pet's meal time. Leaving food out can train your pet to eat even when they aren't hungry.
2. Limit their treats. Your pet's treats should only account for 10% or less of their daily calories.
3. Encourage them to play. The more active your pet is, the more fat they'll shed.
4. Replace unhealthy treats. Ask our veterinarians for their recommendations on healthy treats for your pet.