10/14/2026
Today is Nationl pet obesity awareness day. Obesity is the most common chronic health condition in cats and dogs in the U.S.
How do I know if my pet is obese?
We have some handy, dandy charts for that! The key thing to look for in our furry friends is they want to have a waist like most people want to have a waist. So standing above them and looking down, you should see that waist. It should also be visible from the side!
You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs but NOT see them all except in very thin breeds like Greyhounds and Sphynxes.
Consequences of Pet Obesity are arthritis and joint disease, diabetes, heart and liver disease, shortened life span and reduced quality of life because of weight related issues. Obese cats, especially males, are also prone to life threatening urethral blockages.
How do I put my pet on a diet?
We have all been on diets and they are NOT fun. On the bright side, we are in total control of what and how much our pets eat thus, dieting is pretty simple. We recommend the following steps:
Decrease your pet’s daily amount of food and decrease it by a quarter (ex: If your pet eats 1 cup of food a day, start feeding them 3/4 cup)
Yes it is highly recommended to measure their food every time! Stop by to pick up a free measuring cup
No treats!! We have all had our diets ruined by sneaking a brownie or a donut. Let’s be more successful with our pets!
EXERCISE!! Whether we like it or not, exercise is huge for weight loss. Even if it is only throwing the ball, playing with a laser, or short walks, some exercise is better than no exercise! If you can not walk them bring them to us for Hydrotherapy!
