Christine Calvert l Medical Director, VCA Calvert Veterinary Center
While enjoying vacations, swimming, barbecues, etc., you should also monitor your pet’s health and diet. Obesity in dogs is one of the most common health problems veterinarians diagnose him with. Over half of all pets are considered overweight or obese. Being overweight can lead to an increase in heart disease, diabetes, joint disease, and more, and can shorten your pet’s life by two years.
A dog’s weight is assessed using the Body Condition Score (BCS). This is him on a scale of 1 to 9, 1 being too thin and 9 out of 9 being morbidly obese. We recommend 4-5 BCS for your pet’s healthiest weight. To determine BCS, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s crevice feel, belly angle, hips, etc. To see an example of body condition scoring, visit www.vcahospitals.com/know-your- Visit pet/body-condition-scores.
Here are some options for losing weight in your pet.
- Use the measuring cup to feed your pet. It’s important to keep track of exactly how much food your dog is getting at each meal, and the best way to do that is with a measuring cup.
- Switch to a low-fat diet. There are many commercial low-calorie diets that can help you lose weight. Additionally, if these foods don’t help you enough, there are prescription foods available for weight loss. These foods are formulated to keep your dog feeling full with fewer calories. Ask your veterinarian if you want to know more about prescribed weight loss diets.
- Increase exercise. It’s great to go outside and be active. It’s exactly what your dog needs. Be careful of the intense heat and try to exercise in the cool early morning. Swimming is also a great activity to keep your pet cool while exercising.
- Eat less snacks. It’s amazing how many calories can be added to your daily treats. Treats should not exceed 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. It may help to switch to healthier snack options like carrots, green beans, and broccoli. Alternatively, you can use pet weight loss foods as treats.
- slow feeder. If your pet is a fast eater, we recommend using a slow feeder to prolong each meal. There is a special bowl for slow feeding so your pet can stay full with less food.
- Weigh your pet frequently. Many people only weigh their pets at their semi-annual check-ups. Ideally, you should monitor your pet’s weight every 2-3 weeks to stay on track with your weight loss plan and adjust their diet as needed.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian if you would like your pet’s body condition score evaluated or to discuss a weight loss plan. Your veterinarian can also create a feeding plan to make weight loss go as smoothly as possible.
