How We Can Help Your Pet Lose Weight at 

Our Animal Hospital in Etobicoke

At Richview Animal Hospital, we've seen our fair share of overweight pets that need to go on a diet. Pet owners sometimes go a little too far in the care and feeding of their pets, but it's something that our veterinary staff can help with. A veterinarian can guide a pet owner in the art of pet weight loss. Here's a look at obesity in pets and what you can do about it.

How Obesity Begins

When people have pets, they want to love and care for them. One of the ways people express love is through food. And because pets seem to never get enough food, owners feed them extra portions and too many treats. Normally, you would take your dogs out for a walk or bring out the toys for the cats and make them move. But if you're living a lifestyle that leaves you little time to take care of yourself, you're probably not doing as much as you'd like with your pets either. The extra treats and food cause the pounds to pile on for your pets which can lead to serious health issues.

Treating Obesity in Cats and Dogs

The most obvious solution to obesity is to restrict calories and exercise more, but that's not always the best approach for an animal. Dogs who have been obese for a long period of time may have osteoarthritis or soft tissue strains or injuries that come from the efforts needed to move around. Overweight cats are likely to suffer from diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin problems. Many of these issues can be resolved through weight loss, but you need to know if your pet is dealing with any of them before starting a weight loss program.

Working with a Veterinarian for Pet Weight Loss

The first step towards helping your pet lose weight is to make an appointment with one of our veterinarians for an evaluation. The vet will do a blood panel and physical examination to look for existing conditions related to obesity or age. Once the veterinarian knows what's going on, he will prescribe a feeding and exercise regimen that's appropriate for your pet and set a date for a follow-up appointment to re-evaluate.

Contact Us Today at Richview Animal Hospital in Etobicoke for an Appointment

If you're wondering about your pet's weight and physical condition, give us a call today to set up an appointment for an evaluation. Our veterinary staff can help you learn more about obesity, if your pet is truly overweight, and how to properly care for your pet while they go on a diet.