Your doctor may have told you that you need to maintain a healthy weight for a healthy life. The same is true for pets — maintaining an optimal weight is an essential aspect of a healthier, happier pet. Just like humans, pet obesity is quickly becoming a concern, with many pets deemed to have more weight than they should. At Thornapple Veterinary Medical Center serving Middleville, MI, we want to help your pet to achieve good health, and that’s why we want you to know about weight management in pets. Furthermore, we offer pet nutrition, pet wellness exams, pet surgery, and routine care to help your pet achieve his or her wellness goals.
Causes of Pet Obesity
Obesity occurs when the body accumulates a lot of fat. The two primary causes of unhealthy weight in pets are overfeeding and inadequate energy utilization. Although excessive dietary intake and inactivity are the common causes of obesity, hyperthyroidism and insulinoma can cause unhealthy weight. While obesity can affect any pet, some breeds are at more risk than others.
Risks of Obesity
If your cat or dog is overweight, they are at more risk of diseases, shortening their lifespan. Heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes are common diseases caused by unhealthy weight. Your obese cat may also be lethargic, have difficulty breathing, and reduce mobility.
Dealing with Obesity
The first step in helping your obese pet is by acknowledging there is a problem. Unfortunately, we are inundated by numerous media images that make it challenging to identify obese pets from healthy ones. A veterinarian on our team can help you determine whether your pet has a healthy weight during routine care.
Should we find your pet has a weight issue, treatments may include:
- Devising an exercise regimen
- Recommending proper pet nutrition
- Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity
Once we help your pet achieve an optimal weight, it may be crucial to maintain this weight. A veterinarian on our team can help you devise the proper diet and portion to maintain a healthy weight.
Contact Us for a Pet Wellness Exam from a Veterinarian on Our Team
Want to learn more about pet obesity? Book an appointment with Thornapple Veterinary Medical Center serving Middleville, MI, for more information. Furthermore, we offer pet nutrition, pet wellness exams, pet surgery, and routine care to help your animal friend achieve his or her healthcare goals.