Lake Cable Animal Hospital
Heidi R. Watters, DVM

5222 Fulton Drive North-West
Canton, Ohio 44718

(330) 499-9370
Lake Cable Animal Hospital
Miscellaneous

 

Obesity is a common problem for our companion animals and can be a life-threatening condition. Excess weight can lead to or aggravate many serious health conditions including: heart, liver and kidney disease, diabetes, increased joint problems, increased surgical risks and skin problems. Your pet may become overweight due to a medical condition, but the majority of obese pets are overweight due to too many calories and too little activity.

 

Veterinarians use a body condition scoring system to determine if your pet is overweight, but you can also do a simple test at home. With your pet standing in front of you, place your hands on his / her ribs - you should be able to feel, but not Officesee, the ribs without pressing too hard. Also, you should be able to see a “waistline”, or narrowing between the end of the ribs and hips. If you are unable to do these things, it may be time to reduce your pet’s weight.

 

Weight reduction is achieved by reducing your pet’s caloric intake and slowly increasing his / her activity level. Caloric intake can be reduced by measuring (in a measuring cup) the total amount of food normally fed and eaten in a given day, and decreasing that amount by 20-25%. To help satiate your pet, raw vegetables (green beans, celery, carrots, etc.) may be substituted for the decreased portion of the normal food. Also, feeding the total daily ration of food in two to three separate, smaller meals may help satiate your pet during his / her diet. Additionally, a lower calorie, higher fiber food may be used in place of your pet’s usual food (remember that any change in food should be done gradually to avoid gastric upset.) Prepackaged treats are considered junk food and thus should be avoided. Instead, rice cakes, plain popcorn, raw vegetables and fruits can be given as treats. Exercise should be instituted slowly and must be based upon your pet’s physical health and age. Please consult with us if you are unsure of what form of exercise might best suit your pet.

 

Weight reduction in pets is a slow process, often taking several months. Be patient and don’t give up! Your pet needs you to be strong for him / her. Once the excess weight is off, your pet will have more energy and a better chance at a long, healthful life.

 

Final Appointment

 

If you are considering euthanasia, you are welcome to call the office to discuss the decision, the options for after care and the scheduling procedure.

 

If you would like to stay with him during the procedure, you will need to schedule an appointment so the family will have privacy during this difficult visit.

 

We also understand if you are not comfortable being present for the actual procedure and you would prefer for us to take care of your pet.

 

Once your pet is gone, we will prepare the body. We will be happy to wrap him in a favorite blanket or put a special toy in with your pet.

 

Ohio State University Grief Line: (614) 292-1823

E-Mail: petloss@osu.edu

Michigan State University Grief Line: (517) 432-2696

Cornell University Grief Line: (607) 253-3932

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