It’s easy to overlook a few extra pounds on your pet, especially when they still greet you with tail wags and purrs. But behind those adorable faces, weight gain can quietly impact their health and quality of life. With National Pet Obesity Awareness Day taking place in October, River Rock Animal Hospital is here to share practical, positive ways to help your pet stay fit and full of life.
A Healthy Weight Matters for Pets
Overweight pets face an increased risk of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even a shortened lifespan (and being underweight isn’t healthy either!) If you suspect that your pet may be at an unhealthy weight, you want to help them. Any weight issues should be handled under the guidance of a veterinarian, as drastic changes can actually do more damage to your animal companion’s health.
Safe Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Weight
Tip #1: Know the Right Weight for Your Pet
Every breed and age has a different healthy weight range. Veterinarians can assess your pet’s weight so that you understand where they fall on the scale. If you want general guidance, you can try using a Body Conditioning Score chart, which will give you a sense of where your pet falls. If you look at a 9-point scale (there are 5 and 9 point versions), a 4 or 5 is healthy for most cats and dogs.
Tip #2: Measure, Don’t Guess
Portion control is one of the most powerful tools for weight management in pets. Use a measuring cup or scale to serve consistent meals based on your vet’s recommendations.
Tip #3: Rethink the Treats
Instead of store-bought, high-calorie snacks, try healthy alternatives like baby carrots, green beans, or small pieces of lean meat (all if approved by your vet). Always factor treats into your pet’s daily calorie count.
Tip #4: Add Exercise Gradually
If your pet isn’t very active, build activity into their routine. Even 15-20 minutes of movement a day can make a difference. Start slow and increase activity over time. Daily walks, fetch, or interactive toys all count!
Tip #5: Avoid Free Feeding
Leaving food out all day encourages grazing and overeating. Instead, stick to scheduled feeding times to control intake.
Tip #6: Monitor Progress
If your vet says that your pet needs to lose weight, know that weight loss is a process. Track your pet’s energy levels, body shape, and behavior (not just the number on the scale). Monthly check-ins with your vet can adjust the plan as needed.
Weight Management with Your Veterinarian
Weight management for pets can feel overwhelming, but veterinary staff are there to help. Reach out to book a nutritional consultation with weight loss planning. The vet will be able to give you guidance for your pet’s breed, age, lifestyle, and medical history. Bring along food and treat labels as well as notes on the current feeding routine. That way, the vet can discuss how to adjust your pet’s routine. Not to mention, a veterinarian can run diagnostics in case the weight gain is actually tied to a medical issue and not just food and exercise.
Weight Management for Pets in Midland, MI
Helping your pet reach a healthy weight is one of the most impactful things you can do to improve their quality of life. If you’re just starting to notice weight gain in your pet or if they seem underweight, please reach out for veterinary guidance. River Rock Animal Hospital has nutrition counseling in Midland for cats, dogs, and exotics from Auburn, Midland, Beaver, and nearby Michigan areas. Ready to create a weight management plan that works for your pet? Schedule a nutrition consultation with us.
