Weight gain is a common problem among pets, but proper eating habits and other simple measures can help promote weight loss.
Weight loss is a common ailment seen in pets of all species and ages, but a few simple measures can help promote a healthy lifestyle.
“The key is to promote a gradual, steady weight loss. We don’t want to slough off the weight dramatically and all at once – slowly but surely is key when it comes to slimming down,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
Dr. Levine offered the following tips for weight loss in pets:
Visit the vet: Hormonal imbalances, medications and other factors can lead to weight gain, so it’s important to determine if one of these issues is affecting the overweight pet, as an underlying medical condition could thwart weight loss efforts and lead to dangerous complications.
Buy a scale: Slow and gradual weight loss is not going to be apparent to someone who is in regular contact with a pet, so purchasing a scale and recording weekly weigh-ins is the first step. This can be a vital tool in diagnosing a more serious problem, because if an owner is taking active measures to help a pet lose weight, but the pet instead gains weight, then this could be indicative of a serious, underlying problem.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals: Feeding smaller meals is easier on the digestive system, and it can help prevent feelings of extreme hunger that can lead to overeating. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help to kick-start the metabolism.
Feed hydrated kibble: Feed a kibble, but before serving, add hot water and wait about ten minutes to allow the kibble to swell and absorb the water. Serving hydrated kibble will help the pet feel fuller without adding extra calories, therefore making it easier for the pet to eat smaller meals.
Cut back on treats: Eliminate most treats and all table scraps from the pet’s diet. Feed healthy treats instead, like carrots and celery.
Increase activity: Exercise can be difficult for pets who are seriously overweight, elderly, injured, or arthritic. To ease a pet into an exercise regime, begin by taking short walks about five minutes in length, three or four times each day. Over time, the pet will build stamina and the amount of exercise time can be increased. Increasing the length of each walk by one or two minutes each week is ideal. Low-impact exercises are ideal for pets who are obese, or otherwise unable to tolerate exercise. Swimming is another very effective exercise method that’s ideal for an overweight, elderly or injured pet.
Play more: For cats and other pets who do not go outside for walks, increase play time. Actively playing with your pet will help to burn calories and increase activity level.
Supplement with vitamins: Often, when a pet is taking part in a weight loss regime, it eats less food and this means a reduction in nutrients, vitamins and minerals as well. To help keep the body working at its optimum level, provide a daily multi-vitamin supplement designed just for pets. This will help prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies and it will help keep the pet feeling well.
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