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.

BODY WEIGHT: ___________________

WEIGHT GOAL: ___________________

INITIAL WEIGHT:	________________pounds
SECOND WEEK:	________________pounds
FOURTH WEEK:	________________pounds
SIXTH WEEK:	________________pounds
EIGHTH WEEK:	________________pounds
TENTH WEEK:	________________pounds
TWELFTH WEEK:	________________pounds

OUR MISSION:

"We embrace the art of healing and the science of medicine to enrich the lives of our animal companions.
We support you in making informed decisions that allow your pet to enjoy wellness as long as possible.
Our hospital team inspires an atmosphere of compassion and respect for our patients, our clients, and for one another."