Does Your Pet Need to Go on a Diet?

According to Dr. George Walters, a veterinarian with Northbay Animal Hospital, a Diamond Certified practice, obesity is common in domestic cats and dogs. If not treated, it can lead to diabetes, pancreatitis, hip dysplasia and other painful joint conditions. You can perform simple checks to determine if your pet is overweight. You should be able to feel and see its ribs, and if its belly is hanging down in front of its back legs, that’s a red flag.

To control your pet’s weight, Dr. Walters recommends buying high-quality food and providing the right portions. Feed your dog or cat at the same time every day. Leave the food out for 10 minutes and then remove the dish, even if the food isn’t all gone. Don’t feed your pet table food, and use high calorie treats sparingly. Lastly, you should walk your dog every day, rain or shine.