Pet Weight Management in Germantown
Although roly-poly puppies and kittens may be cute, keeping your pet’s weight in check is just as important as managing your own weight. Pet weight issues can lead to a host of dangerous ongoing health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes—that’s why it’s important to keep your dog or cat on a healthy diet and exercise regimen from an early age. Your pet’s weight has a direct impact on his or her health, so make sure you understand the proper diet and nutrition your dog or cat needs.
Learn more about pet weight management by scheduling an appointment with the experts at Germantown Vet—click the button in the sidebar or call 240-252-7467.
Protect Your Pet from Weight Gain
While the team at Germantown Veterinary Clinic is here for you to help with pet weight management, the best way to manage pet weight is with prevention. By focusing on healthy eating and exercise before your pet develops a weight problem, you can avoid the complicated health issues that come from having an overweight pet.
Diet & Exercise Work Together for Healthy Weight
So how can you protect your pet from weight gain? First, make exercise a part of your daily life. Walks or rigorous playtime are vital to keeping pets healthy.
Second, monitor food intake. Do not leave food out 24/7, but rather feed your pet at specified times. Measure the food to ensure it is the right amount for their ideal body size, and avoid over-feeding with treats and table scraps, which add more calories than you might think. Choosing a healthy food is also helpful.
Do you want to protect your pet from the growing obesity problem? Call 240-252-7467 to discuss your concerns with our veterinary team.
The Importance of Pet Weight Management
Think that extra three pounds your cat carries is no big deal? Think again! Depending on the size of your pet, one or two pounds can make all the difference. Every pound counts when you’re usually only 10 pounds soaking wet! If you’re unsure what a healthy weight is for your pet, make an appointment with one of our experienced veterinarians at Germantown Vet. We can assess your pet’s size and breed and make recommendations about the best weight group for your pet.
Why is keeping your pet’s weigh-in check so important? Overweight pets can suffer from a wide range of dangerous health complications, including:
- Arthritis & other joint problems
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Skin disease
Don’t wait until your pet develops these conditions—you can prevent them by practicing good weight management techniques! You’re in control of how much your pet eats and exercises, so make sure you’re creating a healthy environment for your furry family member.
Pet Obesity
One out of three dogs and cats are overweight, and the numbers are growing. Here are the top reasons pets end up suffering from obesity:
- Overfeeding
- Lack of exercise
- Breed & genetics
- Other diseases
Learn more about the growing rate of pet obesity and how you can keep your pet from getting pudgy. Contact Germantown Vet online today.
Learn More About Pet Weight Management
Still have questions about your pet’s weight, diet, and exercise needs? Make an appointment with one of our doctors. We can answer all these questions and more at a basic wellness examination.
Contact us online or by phone at 240-252-7467 to schedule an appointment.
Pet Weight Management FAQs
What is the best food to feed for pet weight management?
Always discuss your pet’s dietary needs with your veterinarian. The best food to help maintain a healthy weight is one made with whole food ingredients. Foods with chemical preservatives can be harmful to your pet’s weight and health.
How much extra weight is harmful to my pet?
Because many pets weigh under 25 pounds, even an extra pound or two of fat can cause serious health problems. That is why pet parents need to be very careful about managing and maintaining a healthy weight for their pets.
How long does it take for a pet to lose weight?
Most of the time when you focus on diet or exercise, reaching an ideal weight is possible within six months. If your pet is taking longer than this to get to a healthy weight, there may be an underlying health need or you may not be making enough change. Depending on your pet’s size and weight, you should strive for a loss of one to five pounds per month.
How often should I feed my pet?
Your pet should be fed twice a day about 12 hours apart to help maintain optimal weight. A once-a-day feeding schedule can cause your pet to feel unwell or to overeat when you do feed him.
