SERVICES - DIET & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

There are many reasons your pet may need a special diet. Examples are gastrointestinal conditions, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, urinary tract disease, and obesity. Some of these diets can be obtained at the pet store, but many times a ‘prescription diet’ is needed – which are only sold by veterinarians. This is because the veterinarian can recommend the best diet possible based on the symptoms seen, physical examination, and with the help of lab work and diagnostics.

Dogs and cats can be overweight and obese just like humans! This is assessed by weighing them on a scale, and also using a body condition scoring system. After performing a physical examination, we can make recommendations about exercise and diet management based on the individual case.

Many times a reduction in the volume of food fed, elimination of table scraps, use of vegetable treats, an appropriate increase in exercise, and vigilance is all it takes. However, sometimes a prescription weight loss diet is needed to assist in their weight loss. Once this diet is prescribed, we recommend having your pet weighed regularly (every 1-2 months) to monitor their progress and to give you guidance to help them achieve their ideal body weight.

Maintaining an ideal weight is important to reduce the incidence of diseases such as diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, and arthritis. Maintaining a healthy body weight will improve both your pet’s quality of life and their lifespan.

Instead of dog cookies for treats, try fruit and vegetable treats such as pieces of apples (but not the seeds as they can be toxic), bananas, carrots, zucchini, pea pods. When your dog is overweight, a walk with a lot of attention is the best treat you can give them.

Cartoons show dogs chewing on a big old bone, but in real life, animal bones can injure your pet by splintering and perforating the intestine, as well as fracturing their teeth. Keep your pet safe by limiting their “bones” to manufactured dog treats.

There are many human foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocados, macadamia nuts, et .al., that are toxic,(dangerous) and could potentially be fatal for your pets. Please see our Resources page for lists.

ALERT! Exercise within 40 minutes of eating a meal (before AND after eating) can result in gastric torsion, a condition where the stomach bloats and can be fatal to dogs. Please allow your dog to digest their food before exercising them, and to “cool” down after exercise before feeding them.

The prescription diet brands of pet food that we carry are Hills Science Diet, Purina, Royal Canin, and Iams/Eukanuba.

For more information: www.petfit.com