Why Weight Management Matters for Your Pet’s Health
Helping your pet live a longer, healthier life starts with a healthy weight.
It’s no secret that a few extra pounds can sneak up on pets—especially when those puppy-dog eyes convince us to hand over just one more treat. But those extra calories can have a serious impact on your pet’s long-term health and comfort. In fact, studies show that overweight pets live up to two years less than their healthy-weight counterparts.
Carrying extra weight puts more stress on the body than you might think. It strains joints, making everyday activities like walking or jumping painful. It also contributes to metabolic diseases like diabetes, increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, and can worsen respiratory issues—especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. Obesity can even make it harder to safely administer anesthesia or recover from surgery.
So, how do we help our pets live their best, healthiest lives?
Simple Tips for Weight Loss and Maintenance:
Measure your pet’s food. Eyeballing scoops often leads to overfeeding. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to stay accurate.
Watch the treats. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Try offering healthy alternatives like green beans or a few pieces of kibble from their daily allotment.
Stay active. Even gentle exercise like short walks, puzzle feeders, or indoor play can make a big difference.
Switch to a weight management diet. These diets are designed to help your pet feel full while cutting calories and supporting their metabolism.
Most importantly, don’t go it alone. Weight loss in pets should be gradual and closely monitored to ensure it’s done safely.
Here at Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, we offer consultations with a technician certified in veterinary nutrition. Whether your pet needs to lose a few pounds or you just want to keep them at a healthy weight, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with tailored plans, encouragement, and progress checks.
Let’s work together to help your pet feel their best—for more snuggles, more tail wags, and more happy, healthy years by your side.
