Obesity is a problem that doesn’t just affect humans. Overweight pets are, unfortunately, all too common, making weight management very important. Many factors can lead to your pet gaining too much weight, which can lead to serious health risks, including many forms of cancer, as well as arthritis, and diabetes.

Keeping your pet in an ideal weight range will help them lead a long, healthy life. Ensuring they maintain this weight is also good motivation for you to stay in shape!

Pro tip: Use this handy online calculator to determine whether your dog (or cat!) is in the recommended weight range for their age and size.

The first step to helping both yourself and your furry friend lose weight is determining the most likely cause of the issue in the first place. It may be the wrong diet, or not enough exercise, or a combination of the two.

It’s often hard to resist giving your dog a treat, especially when they’re masters of ‘puppy-dog eyes’. Correcting this bad habit doesn’t mean you have to stop treating your pet, but make sure you are giving them the right treats (check out our Eating Right series for more healthy treat and food options!).

Your pet may prefer to cuddle most of the day, which is okay,, but some physical activity is required for them to ensure they stay in shape and healthy. Exercising with your pet is a good way to make sure you both stay active. Or try picking up some new toys for your furry friend to play with.

Do you have any questions about helping your pet lose weight? Reach out to our Panel of Experts today!

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The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.