Why Is My Pet Overweight?



You think that you don't feed your pet more than it needs, but it's still overweight and you don't know why. This article will explain why so many cats and dogs are overweight and what you can do to get your pet at a healthier weight.

If your pet is only a pound over the average weight for its age and breed, you shouldn't freak out and put it on a diet. However, many pets are not only overweight, but obese. Your veterinarian will let you know if your pet is overweight. Your vet may also run some tests to make sure that hypothyroidism or a metabolic disorder isn't the cause. If these aren't the cause then it's simply because your pet is eating too much. You may be feeding your pet the wrong type of food, too many meals, portions that are too large, or you may be giving your pet too many treats.

Being overweight can greatly affect your pet's health. In order to keep them healthy and living a long life you need to help them lose weight.

You help your pet lose weight by following these five steps:

1. Weigh your pet and write the weight down.2. Switch your pet to a healthy diet, with food that has meat as the first ingredient and isn't full of by-products, grain, etc.3. Reduce your pet's meal portions by one-third.  4. Supplement the new diet with supplements such as vitamins if needed.5. After two weeks, reweigh your pet to see how the diet is working.

You should involve your veterinarian in your pet's dieting especially if you're a cat owner. Your veterinarian is full of information and can give you a lot of advice. If after two weeks your pet has not lost any weight you and your vet will have to come up with a plan for further dieting.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.