August 7, 2017
In the United States, it is estimated that one in every four dogs and cats presented to a veterinarian is overweight or obese. This condition is usually seen in pets as young as 1 year of age and can peak between 5 and 10 years of age. Obesity is defined as excessive body mass resulting in impairment of health and/or body function. Obesity is a widely recognized medical concern in veterinary medicine; research has found that even moderately overweight dogs and cats are at a greater risk for early development of disease and therefore a shortened life span. Obesity also puts a large strain on muscles and joints, which puts those affected at a higher risk of injury and joint pain.
Managing or preventing obesity in your pet requires that we first gain an understanding of the contributing risk factors. Things that can contribute to obesity include inactivity, overfeeding, hypothyroidism, and orthopedic or neurologic conditions that limit mobility. Controlling food intake and providing adequate exercise on a regular basis can reduce the development of obesity in pets. Addressing any underlying medical condition(s) is also vital to achieving a successful weight management program.
For pets diagnosed as obese, a physical rehabilitation team can develop a management plan that fits his or her needs, as well as the needs of the owner. A successful weight management plan should take into consideration your physical abilities as well as willingness to control calories and initiate exercise sessions with your pet.
Weight management is incorporated into every patient’s physical rehabilitation program at East End Veterinary Center. Education on the dangers of obesity, suggestions on ways to prevent excess calorie intake and fun games to promote increased activity are provided to every pet parent during the first appointment.
Measuring your pet’s food rather than “eyeballing” the amount fed is an easy pro tip to help prevent excess calorie intake. It is also helpful to offer safe, healthy treats in place of commercial dog treats; discovering which pet-safe fruits and veggies that your pet likes to eat can be fun for your whole family! Does your pet prefer broccoli or string beans? Today could be a good day to find out! Our physical rehabilitation team can provide you with a comprehensive list of recommended pet-safe treats at your consultation appointment, but for a sneak peek, see our edition of “Feed This Not That” below to get started.
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Not Grapes!
Not Bacon!
Not Ice Cream!
Not Spices!
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Increased mobility is another factor in a weight management program. For obese patients that have decreased mobility due to arthritis or other orthopedic/neurologic conditions, we often recommend an underwater treadmill or “aquatic therapy”, which we offer on-site at our hospital. The warm water helps relax painful joints and muscles, allowing for improved function during exercise. The water also provides buoyancy for pets who find it difficult to walk on painful joints, allowing them to exercise in a supported environment. This treadmill is an excellent option to help promote weight loss and increased mobility for many pets, including cats! Incorporating our physio-balls and balance boards into your pet’s exercise program is also a great way to improve core strength and mobility.
While we do offer a wide range of beneficial exercise tools on-site at our hospital, home care is extremely important as well. You can take an active role in designing a home exercise plan for your pet by identifying fun activities that your family already enjoys. We can even help you create a custom exercise plan that can be incorporated into “family fun time” or other aspects of your everyday life. We also encourage you to think outside the box; pets don’t always have to eat a full meal in one sitting. Utilizing food puzzles or games with part of the day’s food ration is a fun way to increase in-home activity.
Continuous follow up with a physical rehabilitation team is important to the success of any weight loss program. Understand that adjustments to nutrition will need to be made as your pet’s weight changes. Your observations, questions and ideas are also important and can be addressed during re-evaluations.
By using a team approach to weight management you, your pet, and your veterinary support system can achieve a successful outcome. Though the journey may seem overwhelming from the outside looking in, once you start to observe your pet’s increased participation in activity and family life, it’ll be easy to commit to a comprehensive weight loss plan long-term.
To get started on your pet’s journey to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle, give us a call at 631-369-4513 to make an appointment with East End Veterinary Center, your specialty and 24/7 emergency hospital for companion animals in Riverhead, NY.
Feed Carrots,
Feed Boiled Chicken,
Feed Plain Green Beans,
Feed Plain Pureed Pumpkin,