At West Ridge Animal Health Center in Topeka, Kansas, we care deeply about the health and happiness of your furry companions. One of the most common—and preventable—health issues we see in pets is obesity. Just like in humans, extra weight can lead to serious health concerns for your pet, including joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan.
The good news? With the right tools and a little effort, you can help your pet shed those extra pounds and enjoy a healthier, more active life.
The Scale Doesn’t Lie: Is Your Pet Overweight?
A good starting point in assessing your pet’s weight is by visiting our veterinary team for a wellness check. We’ll assess your pet’s weight and body condition score (BCS), a scale that evaluates their ideal weight relative to their current size. Many pet owners are surprised to learn their dog or cat is carrying extra pounds, but recognizing the problem is the first step toward solving it.
Signs your pet may be overweight include:
- Difficulty feeling ribs under a layer of fat.
- A lack of a visible waistline when viewed from above.
- Fat deposits around the base of the tail or abdomen.
- Reduced energy or reluctance to play.
Nutrition: The Cornerstone of Healthy Weight Loss
Weight loss starts with a proper diet. At West Ridge, when a pet is obese, we recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic, a veterinarian-formulated food that’s specifically designed to promote weight loss in pets.
Hill’s Metabolic works by:
- Using naturally sourced ingredients like tomato pumice, carrots and flax seed to stimulate your pet’s unique metabolism to burn calories more efficiently.
- Reducing hunger to make your pet feel fuller between meals.
- Helping you achieve and maintain your pet’s ideal weight with long-term results.
Our team can guide you in determining the appropriate portion sizes based on your pet’s ideal weight and activity level. We’ll also monitor your pet’s progress and adjust the plan as needed to ensure success. This food is available in canned or dry options. And if this food isn’t the right choice for your pet we can work with you on other food options and create feeding guides to help you feed the right amount every time.
The Role of Exercise and Play
While proper nutrition is key, exercise and play are essential for weight loss and overall well-being. Dogs and cats both benefit from daily physical activity, and it doesn’t have to be complicated!
For dogs:
- Take regular walks around your neighborhood or a local Topeka park. Gradually increase the duration and intensity.
- Play games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek. These can even be done inside or from your chair if you find yourself immobile.
- Engage in agility training or canine sports to keep them mentally and physically fit.
For cats:
- Interactive toys like laser pointers, feather wands, or motorized mice can mimic hunting behavior and encourage movement.
- Set aside time for daily play sessions to keep your cat active.
- Introduce climbing trees or puzzle feeders to stimulate their natural instincts.
Remember, even small bursts of activity can add up over time, contributing to weight loss and a happier, healthier pet.
Low-Calorie Treats: Rewards Without the Guilt
Treats are a valuable tool for training and rewarding your pet, but they can add up quickly in calories. (for example Opt for low-calorie or nutrient-dense options that support your pet’s weight-loss goals.
Healthy treat ideas:
- Store-bought low-calorie treats (Hills has metabolic treats to go with their specially designed food)
- Fresh vegetables like green beans, carrots, or cucumber slices
- Apple slices
- Honey nut cheerios
When giving treats, account for them in your pet’s daily calorie allowance to ensure they don’t exceed their target intake.
Medical Barriers to Weight Loss
Just like people, sometimes our pets have medical reasons why they can’t lose weight. We always want to work with our patients and evaluate thyroid function, liver function, kidney function, blood glucose, and urine to see if there is an underlying reason why exercise and the right diet isn’t working. If you have been trying to help your pet slim down and its not working we would love to evaluate other health issues so we can best help your pet be happy and healthy (and lose those extra pounds)
How We Can Help
Weight loss for pets is a journey that requires commitment, patience, and the right resources. At West Ridge Animal Health Center, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s creating a tailored weight-loss plan, recommending Hill’s Metabolic food, or providing tips on exercise and play, we’re invested in helping your pet achieve their best health.
Let’s work together to give your pet a longer, healthier, and happier life. Schedule a consultation with us today, and take the first step toward a healthier future for your furry friend.
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