Our Vet Rachael discusses the benefits of weight monitoring and body condition scoring
August 14, 2023
Pet obesity is a growing problem and unfortunately, in the area we have our own overweight population of pets. To educate owners on how to keep your pet safe from the associated health conditions linked to being either underweight or obese, we have compiled the following advice on monitoring weight changes.
If you are concerned your pet may struggling with their health due to their weight, do not hesitate to contact us at Apex Vets so we can develop a realistic exercise plan and diet, tailored to your pet.
Book a pet weight check with our nurses
To help you right now, download our Body Condition Scoring Chart for Cats and Dogs using the button below so you can get a feel of where your pet’s weight currently lies. To get a proper diagnosis and weight-loss or gain program created, book a pet weight check with our nursing team.
Your pet’s overall health
Any sudden change in your pet’s weight could be a symptom of an underlying health condition that needs to be investigated. Weight loss or weight gain both come with their own extensive list of associated medical conditions, but the most common ailments we treat in overweight pets are osteoarthritis and diabetes. Contact us to book an appointment with our veterinary team as soon as possible if your pet has suddenly experienced marked weight loss or weight gain.
Preventing obesity & early detection
Heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes – if your pet is overweight, then the risk of these conditions affecting them becomes much higher. By taking preventative action and monitoring their weight, you can nip obesity in the bud and protect your pet from these life-threatening diseases. It also helps to detect any changes in your pet’s overall health early on, which could lead to them needing veterinary attention.
Feeding habits
Our team at Apex Vets all see examples of pets who are consuming far too many calories and are not burning enough calories to stay at a healthy weight.
Book an appointment to discuss your pet’s weight, diet, and exercise regime to ensure they are staying as healthy as possible. Our advice will be tailored to your pet – for example, if they are a working dog then they may need a higher protein, higher calorie diet. If they are a house cat, their diet will need to reflect their activity levels. We can help you with this.
Regular weight monitoring will not only help to avoid obesity and its associated health risks, but it will also help to ensure that your pet is receiving the correct nutrition levels to keep them happy and healthy. Contact us if you have any concerns about your pet by calling 01324 829 989.
Remember to download our Body Condition Scoring Chart for Cats and Dogs below to help you understand if your pet needs veterinary attention for their weight.
