My pet needs to lose weight. I only feed him what's recommended on the back of the bag and it's a diet food. But he hasn't lost any weight yet. What do you suggest?
Sounds like you've gotten off to a good start. If you just started your pet's diet after the new year, it may take another week or two to see results. I usually recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks before your pet's first post-diet weight check. Checking sooner can leave you disappointed or discouraged. ou do want your pet to lose the weight gradually. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous, particularly for cats.
Commercially available "weight control" and "less active" foods are a good option if your pet is mildly overweight. The amount listed on the back of the bag is the total amount of food your pet should eat in an entire day. You want to feed your pet the amount that is recommended for your pet's ideal weight, not how much he weighs now. Each animal is different and if your pet's metabolism is slower than average, he may need even less food than what's listed on the back of the food bag. If your pet is more than mildly overweight, he may benefit from a prescription weight loss diet. A prescription medication that works similar to an appetite suppressant is also available for dogs who need additional help curbing their appetite.
It's important to keep your pet's total calorie intake in mind. We often forget to consider the additional calories present in treats and table scraps when we're making a weight loss plan for our pets. They are often a culprit when extra pounds are present. Anything that your pet receives in addition to his regular food, no matter how small it seems to us, adds calories and in turn, pounds. If you decide to keep treats and table scraps on your pet's diet menu, limit them and decrease the amount of regular food you feed to compensate for these added calories.
Because of Illinois winter weather, this can be a difficult time to implement a consistent exercise plan for your pet. As much as you can, encourage exercise for your pet. Every little bit can help. Take walks with your dog or visit a dog park on nice days. Play hide-and-seek with your cat or introduce some new toys that stimulate your cat's hunting instincts. If you plan on running with your dog or beginning another type of vigorous exercise plan, consult with your veterinarian first. If you can increase your pet's exercise, he'll lose the weight faster than with diet alone and be happier while he's losing it.
If you have a question you'd like answered in this blog, please feel free to e-mail me at dr.amy@woodridgeanimalhospital.com
Click here to Read more from Doctor Amy on the Patch
Friday, January 27, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Ask A Vet: I Got A Puppy For Christmas, Now What? - Woodridge, IL Patch
My family got me a puppy for Christmas. She kept me up all night crying and barking. Now today, she’s been having a ton of accidents in the house. What do I do now? Help!
Oh goodness! What a challenging Christmas surprise! Don’t worry, it’ll get better!
Most puppies cry at night because they feel alone, particularly the first few days they’re away from their littermates and mother. You and your family are now your puppy’s pack members and she wants to be with you.
Friday, January 6, 2012
ASPCA | Resolve to quit smoking this year for your pets’ sake
You would not let your pet smoke!! Great Way to Quit Smoking
ASPCA Resolve to quit smoking this year for your pets’ sake
ASPCA Resolve to quit smoking this year for your pets’ sake
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