With an abundance of treats, pet food and even chefs who specialize on pet cuisine – it’s no surprise furry friends these days are carrying more weight than their predecessors. In fact, about 55% to 60% of all cats and dogs in North America are either overweight or obese. Extra weight can cause heart disease, asthma, arthritis, cancer, reduced lifespan and several other problems. You may feel overwhelmed on how to get your pet in better shape, but with our support you will have a personalized plan to get you started. Call us at 905-885-8151 to start the conversation.

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

The tricky thing with our furry friends is there isn’t a general weight range. They come in so many different types of species and breeds. That being said, a general rule of thumb is you should be able to feel the lowest row of your dog or cat’s ribs without a thick layer of fat on top. There should also be a definition or divide between their chest and their abdomen. Other than that, behavioural changes are also a way to tell if your pet can benefit from losing a few pounds. Are they easily out of breath? Are they lethargic? Are they no longer as fast or as active? These are all warning signs of a weight problem.

How do I know if my pet is underweight?

Again, it is quite difficult to tell. Some breeds of dogs for example are naturally thin with their ribs even sticking out (e.g. whippets, greyhounds) but are perfectly healthy. The best thing to do is to take your pet in for regular check-up. This way, their veterinarian can recognize any issues (including weight problems) and get them on the path to a healthier state.