Healthy nutrition is about feeding your pet proper nutrients, not ingredients. This is a subtle but incredibly significant difference. That way, regardless of the type, brand, or formulation of food and treats you feed, you can determine how much to feed. You need to know the precise number of calories and nutrients your pet needs. Don’t fall into the trap of inquiring, “How much should I feed?” You’ll probably get a generic, inaccurate response. We’ve got to be specific when it comes to feeding our pets. 2) How many calories should I feed my pet each day? This isn’t personal it’s your pet’s well-being. Don’t be offended if the answer isn’t what you expected. To answer this question, your veterinarian will likely conduct a couple of measurements, determine a Body Condition Score (BCS - see above charts), and determine your pet's current weight status.Īsk the question. All of this leads to many vets remarking, “Maybe Scooter should drop a few pounds, but who shouldn’t?”Īs a concerned pet owner, you need to understand your pet’s weight is one of the most influential factors in longevity, quality of life, and disease prevention. Weight issues are tricky and loaded with perceived judgment, strong emotions, and social stigmas. This is primarily due to the fact your veterinarian doesn’t want to offend you inadvertently. Believe it or not, many veterinarians are simply afraid to tell you if your pet is overweight or has obesity. This is the most important question you must ask your veterinarian – and one your vet may not be eager to answer. They’re simple, won’t embarrass you, and just may save a pet’s life. To help you better care for your dog or cat, here are five questions you should ask your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy. Pets with obesity are at increased risk for developing serious weight-related disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and more. The 5 biggest questions you should ask your veterinarian to prevent pet obesity: How to check, what to feed, and how to exercise. If you suspect your pet is not at an ideal body weight, consult with your veterinary healthcare team. See your veterinarian for routine check-ups and a body condition assessment.This can help you monitor their weight and determine if changes need to be made to their lifestyle, diet, or exercise routine. Weigh your pet regularly and track their weight over time. If the abdomen hangs low and is bulging or sagging, which indicates the most dangerous and biologically active form of fat, abdominal fat is present. When you observe your pet from the side as it stands, you should see a slight tuck or upward slope of the tummy. Stand next to your pet and look at their profile. If your pet does not have a visible waist or the waist is bulging, your pet may be overweight. Your pet should have a noticeable waist behind the ribs that tapers slightly towards the hips with a slight indentation near the midsection. Stand over your pet and look down at their body. If you feel a thick layer of fat, your pet may be overweight. A healthy-weight pet has a thin layer of fat over the ribs and spine that can be felt, not seen. How can I tell if my dog or cat is overweight or has obesity?įirst, you should be able to feel – and count easily – your pet’s ribs when you lightly run your fingers across the side.
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