Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight can add years back to their life. Obese cats and dogs tend to live shorter lives due to underlying health conditions associated with excess weight. With the help of our veterinary team, we can develop a weight management plan to help your cat or dog safely lose those extra pounds.

How do I know if my dog or cat is overweight?

Obesity in dogs and cats is more common than you think. Our first step is assessing their weight and overall health to determine where they fall on the weight range. We'll also ask you questions about your dog or cat's lifestyle, exercise, and daily habits that will inform our recommendations. If your pet is overweight, based on metrics, we'll support you by creating a weight management plan that helps them achieve a healthier weight. If you'd like to learn more about our weight management plans, please contact us at 709-256-3891.

How do I get my cat or dog to a healthy weight?

Our weight management plans include detailed strategies you'll use to support your dog or cat's weight loss. One strategy we often recommend is lowering your pet's caloric intake while increasing their activity level. This typically means lessening excess treats between meals or reducing food portions that are too large. If you are concerned that the strategies we've recommended aren't working, we can reassess the plan to better support your dog or cat's needs. It's also important to remember that patience plays a major role in weight loss. You typically won't notice results overnight but if you help your pet stay consistent, they will surely attain their weight loss goals.

What other weight loss strategies could I implement?

Before trying any weight loss strategies, it's always important to consult our veterinary team. However, helpful strategies you can implement to support your pet include:

• Making sure your entire family gets with your pet's weight loss program
• Incorporating fun physical activities
• Keeping track of your pet's progress
• Substituting table scraps for healthier treats
• Maintaining realistic goals