Weight Management

The numbers are on a rise for dogs and cats in North America for overweight pets. Major culprits are over refined, high fat, high carb diets. 
Obesity is defined as 20% above ideal body weight and increases the chances of developing health problems. Such problems can include:

• diabetes
• heat and exercise intolerance
• increased risk to general anesthesia
• skin conditions due to increased skin folds
• heart and vascular disease
• joint and spinal disk problems
• hip problems

Sometimes weight gain can be attributed to physical disorders such as hypothyroid conditions, diabetes, Cushing's disease, fluid retention caused by kidney, liver or heart disease, aging, and genetic disposition.

Major causes of weight gain is lack of exercise, and feeding to much food. Feeding an unbalanced diet, or poor quality diet can also attribute to weight gain. 

If you have an overweight dog or cat, visit your local pet store for healthy food options and advice.