Canine Obesity

Obesity in dogs is a common problem. It is estimated that nearly 17 million dogs are obese.

What causes obesity?

There are 2 main causes: too much food or too little exercise. Some breeds of dogs can inherit a tendency to become obese also.

The health risks of having extra pounds can be very serious. Breathing problems, Heart Disease, Arthritis are all worsened by obesity.

Is your dog overweight?

Try the rib test. Gently place your hands on your dog’s rib cage. Do the ribs seem to be covered by lots of flesh? Is it hard to even feel them? Is so, your dog may be obese or overweight.

Another easy test is to look straight down on the back of your dog. Is there an hourglass figure from the rib cage to the hipbones?

How can you help your dog lose weight?

Step 1: Cut back on feedings. Measure out a set portion of recommended food including a few healthy treats. Only feed this amount. Weigh your pet once a week and decrease that food amount until your dog is losing weight.

Step 2: Encourage more exercise. It has been estimated that wild dogs run an average of 90 miles per day in search of their food. Our housedogs will never reach that activity level, but taking your dog for walks or play for 30 minutes a day will help them remain active and have a healthier, longer life.

New obesity drug approved for dogs.

A new drug to aid in the problem of Canine Obesity has been FDA approved and now available. Slentrol works to help control appetite so pets will not feel hungry. This medication can be a great help with a full weight loss program, including food reduction and exercise. Talk to our veterinarians if this drug could help your dog reach his/her ideal healthy weight.

Xrays can be a valuable piece of information in determining what is wrong when your pet is ill. Tates Creek Animal Hospital has Dr. Lisa Neuwirth, a board certified veterinary radiologist, consult on every radiograph picture we take to ensure nothing is overlooked. When it comes to our family, we want the very best!

Tates Creek Animal Hospital is proud to be a member of the Better Business Bureau. We strive to maintain excellent patient care and client service.

If you ever have any suggestions, concerns or any ideas on improving, please ask to speak with the Practice Manager, Catherine Cook. This is your hospital and we are here to serve you.

Feline MD dry food is back! This Hill’s prescription diet, used in the treatment of feline diabetes and obesity, is being rigorously tested to ensure pet safety. Feline M/D was one food involved in the pet food recalls and one product our doctors prescribed to some feline patients dealing with diabetes or obesity. The Hill’s company paid for those patients using M/D to have bloodwork performed to see if any complications had developed due to eating the food. Lab results were normal. We at Tates Creek Animal Hospital are proud to recommend Hill’s Prescription foods and are very impressed with Hill’s commitment to all pet owners and lovers.

To read Hill’s letter in it’s entirety click here.