Advice from Our Baton Rouge Veterinarian

Is your dog or cat getting larger and larger, or are you worried that it might happen? Obesity in pets can be caused by a number of conditions and can increase your pet’s risk for certain diseases. Here are some steps you can take to prevent or correct pet obesity:

Get them medically checked. Some cases of weight gain may be related to a hyperactive thyroid gland. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the metabolism. A thyroid deficiency can leave you with an overweight animal, but our animal clinic can work with you to prescribe medications that can help. Kidney or heart trouble can also lead to bloating, which may look like weight gain.

Stop feeding them “human food.” Dogs and cats love table scraps and will often beg and plead for them until you give in. Be strong! The foods we prepare for ourselves are usually much higher in fat that most pets’ bodies can tolerate, so not only will your pet pack on the pounds, but he will also face elevated health risks associated with an unbalanced diet. Train your pet to be content with his regular portions of dog or cat food.

Learn more about your pet's specific needs. Puppies, kittens and elderly animals all have different health challenges and pet food companies make different formulas for each, so choose your pet food accordingly. If your pet skips a meal, do not panic right away -- animals eat when they are hungry instead of always following the clock. If your pet skips several meals, however, he may be ill and in need of a veterinarian.

Our Animal Clinic Can Help with Pet Obesity

If you need advice on proper pet nutrition and other pet wellness issues, visit us at Jefferson Animal Hospital here in Baton Rouge. We can determine your pet’s ideal weight and recommend the proper nutritional and lifestyle habits to keep him slim and trim!

What steps do you take to keep your pet fit and healthy? How did you get them to stop begging for people food?