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Obesity...it’s
more common
than you think!

Many of us have struggled with our weight at one time or another, but we aren’t the only ones facing this problem—more and more often our four-legged friends are also battling the bulge.

Dogs can easily become overweight and it’s often hard for owners to recognize because the weight gain is so gradual.

Many owners don’t realize the impact a few extra pounds can have. One or two pounds may not sound like much, but for a small dog this is the equivalent of a person gaining more than 25 pounds.

One out of every two pets is overweight or clinically obese,
making obesity the most common disease afflicting our pets.

Health problems associated with obesity

Overweight dogs are at higher risk of developing a variety of health problems, including:

► Heart disease

► Breathing problems

► Joint problems

► Skin disease

► Diabetes

► Arthritis

► Anesthetic and surgical complications

► Increased risks of certain kinds of cancer

► Can even lead to premature death

Excess weight can reduce the length of a pets’ life by as much
as 20%—in humans this would be the equivalent of 15 years.

Helping your dog to lighten up

For your dog to lose weight, you must reduce the number of calories he eats while increasing his energy output. By following a supervised program of calorie control and moderate exercise, you can help your dog to lose weight steadily and safely. This approach will leave him feeling full after meals while assuring he receives adequate nutrition.

Helpful tips

► Don’t feed table scraps or "human" food.

► Reward your dog with Prescription Diet Treats as a healthy alternative to fatty or high calorie grocery treats.

► If you have multiple pets, don’t feed your overweight dog at the same time as your other pets.

► Feed your pet before you eat your own meal to prevent begging.

► Provide a variety of toys for him to play with.

► Regular, moderate exercise is very beneficial.

► Have your pet weighed regularly at our hospital to monitor weight loss.

What diet should you feed?

There are a variety of pet foods that have reduced calories to aid in weight reduction. We usually recommend Hills Prescription Diet r/d or Prescription Diet w/d to help keep your dog feeling full with the right balance of fiber. These two products represent the state-of-the the-art in pet nutrition with advancements to help your pet keep lean muscle mass as it burns body fat.

The best way to make sure your dog is happy is to make
sure he’s healthy. You can help your pet avoid many
problems with an ideal weight for a lifetime of good health.

Weight loss doesn’t come easy

Completing a weight management program successfully is a real challenge. The success or failure depends on how well you stick to the new feeding regimen. Through your efforts, your overweight pet can be healthier, happier and more active for years to come.

Keep your pet trim for life

Once your dog has reached its weight reduction goal, it is important to maintain a healthier, optimal weight. We may recommend a reduced-calorie, high-fiber weight control formula such as Hills Prescription Diet w/d pet food. This diet is very helpful for preventing the recurrence of weight gain.

"Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned
a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail
than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes." Gene Hill

Once successful weight loss has been achieved, periodic check ups can help you maintain your pet’s lower body weight and renewed vitality. If you are unsuccessful at reducing your pet’s weight, please consult one of our doctors for advice.

A Weight Reduction Program For Your Dog

Obesity...it’s more common than you think!