05.24.2018 by
Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital
Have the winter blahs left your pet with a few extra pounds around the middle? Have you noticed that you both are sitting on the couch a wee bit too much? As we welcome the return of the longest (and sunniest) days of the year, it’s easier than ever to get motivated to shed those few extra pounds.
Not sure if you have an overweight pet? Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is here with some tips for how to tell if your pet is at the correct weight, and if not, provide some help for your overweight pet.
Why Is Pet Weight Important?
According to the latest veterinary surveys, over 50% of our pets in the U.S. are now either overweight or obese. That means that 80 million pets! Just like in people, pets who are overweight are at greater risk for developing debilitating disease, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer.
In addition, because pets age so much faster than we do, you can expect to see these diseases pop up even earlier in their lives. In fact, studies show that pets who are leaner live a full 2 years longer then their heavier counterparts. Continue…