Weight loss for dogs can be an important step to keeping your companion healthy, and part of maintaining a healthy weight is cutting out table scraps.
When it comes to your dog’s health, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. In addition to allowing them to be active and full of life, keeping your companion’s weight managed can help reduce their risk of disease, injury, and life-threatening complications. There are a few different ways that guardians can encourage their fur-babies to stay at a healthy weight, and the benefits to your companion’s quality of life make all of the effort worth it. Read on to learn more about weight loss for dogs and the importance of maintaining your companion’s healthy weight.
What is a Healthy Weight?
The best way for guardians to determine whether or not their companion is at a healthy weight is to consult their veterinary care team. A dog’s ideal weight is dependent on a few different factors, and simply referring to a number on a scale is not the best way to determine whether your companion is fit. What your vet considers to be a healthy weight will depend heavily on body composition rather than just weight alone. Veterinary professionals look for various physical signs that can indicate an underweight, healthy, or overweight canine. Your fur-baby’s veterinary care team will likely ask you questions about their diet and exercise routines, in addition to performing a physical examination.
Benefits of Weight Loss for Dogs
When a canine is overweight, they can experience a slew of uncomfortable or dangerous side effects from the extra weight. The added mass can put extra pressure on their joints, causing pain and difficulty moving. Being overweight also increases their risk of some cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney and respiratory disease. Fortunately, weight loss for dogs can reduce your companion’s risk of contracting these diseases, as well as easing joint discomfort and some breathing problems. Helping your fur-baby stay at a healthy weight allows them to be more active and improves their chances of living a long, full life.
Pursuing Weight Loss Safely
Like weight loss for humans, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss for dogs. In broad terms, guardians should aim to reduce their canine’s caloric intake while increasing their output through exercise and play. Following the recommendations of your veterinary care team is crucial, as is keeping your entire family on the same page. Keep careful track of how much your companion is fed, and be sure to eliminate table scraps and limit high-calorie treats.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.