Does it seem like your dog or cat has been packing on the pounds lately? While a portly pet is certainly cute, being overweight can actually impact proper pet health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your dog or cat lose weight in a safe and healthy manner.

Weight Loss Tips for Dogs

Overweight canines are best served by a diet consisting of mostly canned food, as canned foods tend to be higher in protein and lower in calories when compared to dry food. You can also try feeding your dog smaller meals at more frequent intervals throughout the day. The goal is to find ways to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met without adding unnecessary calories.

Daily activity is another crucial aspect of pet health for overweight canines. Even a 30-minute walk once a day can help maintain a healthy weight. You can also tailor activities to your specific breed of dog. For instance, hunting breeds often enjoy going on hikes with their owners while terriers are keen on tug-of-war games. Keep in mind that if your dog is already substantially overweight, it will take some time for him to build proper stamina.

Weight Loss Tips for Cats

Most cats are naturally active, but if their environment is lacking stimulation, they may become bored. In this case, introduce new items, such as toys and climbing posts, on a regular basis to stimulate your kitty. Something as simple as a cardboard box can provide hours of enjoyment while also decreasing their stress level. 

You can also make tweaks to your kitty’s diet you have concerns about pet health. If you feed your cat dry food, look for one that is formulated to facilitate weight loss while also offering sufficient calories. Also, make meat the main source of your cat’s diet, as felines are best served by the nutrients derived from meat. While it’s crucial for your cat to be a healthy weight, don’t go overboard with the weight loss methods. The risk of certain diseases increases if a cat loses more than 3 to 4% of their total body weight per month.

If you still have questions about helping your pet achieve a healthy weight, Kapolei Pet Hospital has answers. This trusted pet clinic will work with you to devise the best possible diet for your pet as well as offer guidance on what type of activities are recommended. They can also perform yearly wellness exams to establish a baseline for pet health, offer vaccinations to protect your furry friend from dangerous diseases, and even provide stem cell therapy for conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Schedule an appointment for your dog or cat on Oahu by calling (808) 462-8040. If you’d like more information on services, feel free to visit the website.