Parkway Animal Hospital's
PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO
Obesity
If your pet has a weight problem it may be very detrimental to its health. Obesity is responsible for many chronic medical problems.
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY INCLUDE:
- Arthritis, "Slipped Disc," and torn or strained ligaments.
- Respiratory problems associated with endurance and exercise.
- Heart problems from overwork.
- Liver Disease.
Dystocia - difficulty in giving birth.- Diabetes.
- Heat Stroke - due to a decreased ability to control heat.
- Skin problems.
- Excessive gas and/or constipation.
- Lowered resistance to disease.
- Anal gland impaction and infection.
- Increased risk for anesthesia and surgery.
- OBESITY REDUCES YOUR PET'S LIFE SPAN!!! (And also its enjoyment of life!)
CAUSES OF OBESITY:
- OVEREATING!! (90% of all cases.)
- Lack of exercise.
- Lowered metabolism.
- Emotional trauma.
- Hormonal imbalances.
OBESITY TREATMENT:
We are interested in all phases of disease prevention, and will work closely with you to reduce your pet's weight. However, SUCCESS DEPENDS ON TOTAL COOPERATION!!
- Decrease food intake 40% - this means feed about 1/2 the normal amount fed.
- Spread the total daily ration throughout the day.
- Several small feedings are recommended instead of one or two larger meals.
-
Snacks MUST NOT BE GIVEN! - One daily PET TAB VITAMIN is all that is permissible.
- The pet does not really care about the snack, but rather the attention it gets.
- Keep the pet out of the kitchen/dining area at meal times.
- Feed only Prescription Diet R/D or IAMS Less Active Diet.
We have had no success feeding other commercially prepared foods or homemade diets.
- Commercial Low-Calorie Diets may be used once the weight is removed to prevent regaining weight.
- Expect your pet to lose 1-2 pounds each week maximum.
CHARTING YOUR PET’S WEIGHT
If you are unable to obtain WEIGHT REDUCTION at HOME, consider allowing us to hospitalize your pet for weight reduction. This “GOING TO THE FAT FARM” may take a few weeks, but is often successful.
| INITIAL WEIGHT: | ________________pounds |
| SECOND WEEK: | ________________pounds |
| FOURTH WEEK: | ________________pounds |
| SIXTH WEEK: | ________________pounds |
| EIGHTH WEEK: | ________________pounds |
| TENTH WEEK: | ________________pounds |
| TWELFTH WEEK: | ________________pounds |
