Excess weight is now one of the most common - and most underestimated - health problems in pets. It is not a "cute look" but a burden on the whole body that shortens life and reduces its quality. The good news: with a sensible plan, weight can be brought down safely.
How to tell if your pet is overweight
A simple tool is the body condition score: in an animal of healthy weight you should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, and looking from above you should see a waist. If the ribs are hard to feel and the waist has disappeared - it is time to act.
Why obesity is dangerous
- overloaded joints and faster progression of arthritis,
- higher risk of diabetes, heart and liver disease,
- greater anaesthetic risk during procedures,
- in cats - dangerous fatty liver disease if weight is lost too fast.
Feeding done right
Weight loss starts in the bowl. The most common mistakes are feeding "by eye" and underestimating calories from treats and table scraps. Weigh portions, stick to a daily calorie allowance agreed with the vet, and keep treats to a small share of the diet. Veterinary weight-management foods can help - they fill the stomach while providing less energy.
Exercise adapted to condition
- start with shorter, more frequent walks and extend them gradually,
- for cats, use active play and food puzzles,
- for patients with sore joints the underwater treadmill is ideal - it burns calories without loading the joints,
- weigh your pet every few weeks to track progress.
Weight loss should be gradual and supervised - especially in cats, where crash dieting is dangerous. We will set a target weight, diet and activity plan with veterinary supervision at MultiVet in Lutynia near Wrocław.