Is Fido fat?

Do you think you pet is at a healthy weight? Try this simple test: Run your fingers down your pet's sides from the shoulder to the hip. Can you feel ribs easily? If you have to push in to convince yourself that your pet even HAS ribs at all? When you look at your pet from the side can you see the belly droop toward the ground or is it tucked tight from the chest to the hind legs?
Currently in the US approximately 50% of pets are considered "overweight" or "obese" when compared to healthy weight standards for their height and body structure. Overweight pets have the same health issues as overweight people. Diabetes, joint problems, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, heart problems all can be caused or worsened by not maintaining a healthy body weight.
If you feel your pet is overweight, or don't really know for sure, we have tools to determine your pet's ideal body weight and start a nutritional program to help achieve a healthy weight safely. Once you have a goal, you and your pet can get out and enjoy the fresh spring air with a healthy walking program!
Schedule your pet's weight management consult today!

Posted on 03/12/2013 9:58 AM by Roberta Grange, DVM