People often associate the amount of love you have for a person or thing with the amount of food you give them. A huge percentage of pets suffer from obesity. As your pet’s guardian, you are responsible for the types of food they consume. Our veterinary care team can recommend special foods for your pet as well as the amounts they need for their growth and development. Together, we can keep your pet at a healthy weight and in turn improve their quality of life.
How does obesity affect my pet?
Overweight pets are more likely to develop health conditions. Because their bodies are storing excess fat, it becomes difficult for them to go about their regular way of life. Their vital organs can struggle to function. Common health conditions in overweight pets include high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart problems.
Is it OK to give my pet human food?
We discourage feeding your pets foods not specifically made for them. Your pet has different nutritional needs and may not be able to break down the nutrients in human foods. If you do decide to give your pets a bite of your food you should completely avoid feeding them chocolate, candy, coffee, tea, apple seeds, or alcohol, among other things, as they can be deadly. If you think your pet has consumed any of these foods or ingredients, reach out to us immediately at 506-858-9900.
My pet is overweight, how can I help control their weight?
Once a veterinarian has examined your pet and determined they are overweight for their age or breed there are various steps that you can take. Our team will develop a weight loss program. To get your pet to a healthy weight we may recommend:
1. Exercise. Frequent play times allows your pet to burn calories and get to a healthy weight.
2. Diet or special nutrition. We may recommend a smaller portion that has the right amount of nutrients your pet needs. Our hospital carries special treats and foods for cats and dogs. Our veterinarians can also recommend foods rich in proteins, fibre and other nutrients.
3. Schedule meal times. This allows your pet to get accustomed to eating at certain times as opposed to when they are bored. We do not advise pet owners to leave out food as this encourages overeating.