Weight Loss
Overweight dogs and cats are commonly seen by veterinarians and pose a health risk to themselves which we can address at the pet wellness center. It is known that almost two of three pet owners are overweight and it is not surprising that over one of three adult cats and dogs are in that same state. The lifestyle of our pets is a far cry from their ancestors’ life in the wild. They now live in confined areas and no longer hunt for their food which is provided for them in abundance by their owners; exercise is limited; some, like their owners, get hardly any. When owners sit in front of a TV set, so do they, and both snack. Most dogs spend two thirds of their days lying down.
Dogs fed dry dog food will self regulate their intake but if human snack foods are added, they not only eat the snack food too but increase the amount of dry food too. Once having been obese, it takes less calories to become obese again after achieving ideal weight. Neutering and spaying also change a pet’s energy expenditure and requirements by about 25%. An added benefit is that non-obese dogs have a longer, healthier life span and a considerable delay in the onset of chronic diseases.
Reducing the caloric intake of your overweight pet to the level of approximately 35 to 60 balanced calories per pound of body weight, depending on breed and size, can be accomplished at the Pet Wellness Center. This, combined with an appropriate exercise program will extend the life expectancy of your pet and enhance its quality of life as well.
Exercise programs start slowly with the greatly overweight pet and as an adjustment takes place to this ritual, the program is increased to optimum levels. All this is accomplished slowly as too rapid a weight loss in itself can be harmful. Our trained pet handlers can tailor the diet and exercise program to each pet’s individual needs as maintaining proper weight is essential in keeping potential health problems at bay.
Upon achieving ideal weight, the pet’s caloric needs are adjusted. With an exercise program coordinated with the newly adopted diet, the ideal weight should be maintained. Excessive weight puts undue stress on pets’ joints, bones, and muscles, increasing the likelihood of more severe damage in case of accident or injuries. Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) a condition involving deterioration of the hip joint is aggravated by excess weight carriage as are cruciate tears. Medically, obesity leads to cardiovascular disease, respiratory difficulties and metabolic problems such as diabetes.
Weight reduction diets are helpful if they are high in fiber, and low in fat and calories. These tend to fill the stomach and digest more slowly which allows the pet to feel satisfied; however because protein, vitamin and mineral intake is reduced, supplements such as essential fatty acids, vitamins A,D,E and K should be offered and we do so in our program at the Pet Wellness Center. Fiber also increases the metabolic energy expenditure needed to digest foods in which it is contained, slows down the digestive process, makes tissues more responsive to insulin which helps stabilize the blood glucose level.
We feed our pets small meals but more often, and with fresh water being always available, we ensure that our program is both healthful and non stressful to our overweight patients.
Here at the pet wellness center, we know you desire the best of both traditional and holistic options for your pet- and we are experienced in both. Available for your pet are modalities such as: acupuncture, herbs, health foods nutraceuticals, toys, treats and limb gear. We have a Certified Master Groomer who will help your pet release stress while enhancing his or her looks.