How much should I feed my dog/cat?
It depends on the brand of food you are feeding as well as your pet’s caloric requirements and size. We offer complimentary nutritional consultations throughout August during which your pet will be weighed and measured and weight loss advice is given.
How do I tell if my pet is overweight?
Have a feel of your pet’s rib area. You should be able to feel the ribs without having to push. When you are looking at your pet from above, there should be an hourglass shape or waist in front of the hips. When you are looking at your pet from the side, the tummy should tuck up, not hang down. If you are unsure if your pet is overweight, please book a consultation with us. We would be happy to answer your questions.
I don’t feed my pet a lot of food. Why is it overweight?
It is possible that somebody else in your family is feeding your pet treats or table scraps. Cats can catch birds and mice. Dogs can have a medical condition such as hypothyroidism that can cause weight gain. Blood work can be done to check for hypothyroidism and other medical conditions.
My family member keeps feeding my pet too many treats. How do I explain to her that it’s not good for my pet?
Feeding pets treats can make them happy in the short term, but being overweight can have serious long-term consequences. For example, extra weight puts extra stress on joints, predisposing pets to painful arthritis in their later years. In cats, being overweight also predisposes cats to diabetes just like it does in people.
I don’t want my dogs to be overweight, but I really like giving them treats. What do I do?
There are other ways to show your pets affection. You can take your dogs for walks, play with them, or give them belly rubs. In the summer, you can give ice cubes as treats. Ice cubes have no calories. Plus they have the added benefit of cooling your pet down!
How do I get my cat to lose weight? It’s not like I can take my cat for a walk like a dog.
Many cats like chasing after a laser pointer dot and playing with catnip toys. Try toys that bring out your cat’s natural hunting instinct.
What weight loss food do you recommend for cats and dogs?
Hill’s Metabolic (dry, canned, and treats)
For more info, visit https://www.hillspet.ca/en-ca.
