According to most veterinarians, obesity is the number one health problem amongst dogs and cats in the United States. Approximately 30-40% of pets examined by veterinarians are obese. This is a serious condition that can result in a variety of medical problems including diabetes and arthritis, as well as other metabolic, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders. According to a study performed by Purina, dogs that were lean had significant health benefits in comparison to obese dogs.

Purina's study showed that lean dogs:

• Have better blood sugar levels and cardiovascular function
• Have fewer signs associated with aging (graying of muzzle and decreased activity)
• Have a later onset of old age conditions (i.e. cancer, arthritis, etc.)
• Remained healthier
• Lived longer lives than obese dogs

The most common causes of obesity in dogs and cats include:

• Lack of exercise
• Over-eating
• Poor nutrition
• Canine hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone which normally regulates metabolism)
• Cushing's disease (caused by excess steroids in the body)

How to determine if your pet overweight?

• Run your hands along the sides of your pet's chest. The ribs should be easily felt with only a small amount of fat covering.
• View your pet from the side. The abdomen should be tucked up behind the ribs.
• View your pet from above. There should be a slight hour-glass shape to your pet's waist.

Your pet is overweight if he/she lacks a tucked up abdomen; lacks an hour-glass waist; and if you were unable to feel your pet's ribs or needed to push in towards your pet's chest in order to feel them.

Once it has been determined that your pet is overweight, a weight management program should be initiated under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure a safe and gradual weight reduction. All predisposing medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, should be ruled out by your veterinarian. For overweight dogs and cats with arthritis, weight loss is the best form of therapy. It reduces stress on their joints, which can decrease pain, improve lameness, and allow for better mobility. It also helps to reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications.

At VHRC, our Weight Management Programs are developed and monitored by a veterinarian. Each program is tailored to the specific needs of your pet with any concurrent medical conditions taken into consideration.

Our Goals:

• Weight loss of approximately 1-2% of body weight per week. For example, our weight loss goals for a 100 lb dog would be 1-2 lbs of body weight per week.
• To improve your pet's health and prevent future medical conditions.
• A longer and healthier life for your pet.

Our customized Weight Management Programs consist of:

• Maintaining a daily food journal at home, which enables us to determine what food items should be adjusted in the diet.
• Caloric restrictions using a high quality natural food. We generally use high protein diets, similar to the Atkins diet for humans, and may include Wysong's Adivase (a prescription diet for overweight animals), Wysong's All-Meat Diets, or Archetype foods.
• Exercise-may include our land treadmill, underwater treadmill, and a home exercise program.
• Weekly weights, either at home or at our clinic.
• Re-evaluations by a veterinarian every 2-4 weeks to make any necessary adjustments to the plan.
• Final evaluation-once your pet has reached the target weight, a long-term weight management plan is developed to ensure your pet remains lean.