Weight Management for Pets

Did you know? In Canada, about 35% of all pets are obese and more than 50% of them do not receive enough exercise to keep them healthy. Over the past few years, we have also seen this rise of overweight pets here in our community. Fortunately, with the right guidance and weight management plan from our veterinary team, your pet can get back to a healthy weight soon enough. Do you have any questions about your overweight pet? Or perhaps you think your pet is too light, and that they need to gain weight? Simply call us at 902-863-3157 so that we can begin to get your furry friend into better shape.

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

With pets, it’s actually more difficult to tell if they are carrying too much (or too little) weight. Some breeds may look gaunt, but this is actually normal for them (e.g. whippet dogs, salukis). Be that as it may, if you can no longer feel the outline or definition of your pet’s hips or waist, or even their ribs, they may actually be overweight. As always, ask your veterinarian for the final opinion.

How can I help my cat/dog lose weight?

Simple changes such as going on more walks, limiting the number of treats they eat and checking with your veterinarian to see if the pet food you are buying is appropriate can make a huge difference in your pet’s weight loss journey.

What happens at a nutritional consultation?

Here at Antigonish Veterinary Clinic, we can design a weight loss/gain plan specifically for your pet’s unique needs. A visual exam, as well as diagnostics tests, may be performed during the first wellness check, with additional sessions scheduled in the future to track progress and modify the treatment plan as needed.