How can I tell if my pet is at a healthy weight? What can I do to keep my pet at a healthy weight?

The start of a new year is a great time for fitness. Extra weight can reduce your pet’s life expectancy by more than two years. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, respiratory ailments and some forms of cancer. It can also reduce the risk of injury to joints, bones and muscles. Reducing a pet’s weight even by a modest amount can reduce the risk of diseases that will shorten your time together. 

Here are a few steps to making weight loss and increased fitness a reality for your companion:

• Make an honest assessment of your pet’s health and weight during an annual wellness visit with your veterinarian. Develop a plan to maintain your pet’s good health and long life.
• Follow the plan. Make it a family commitment to decrease your pet’s calories and increase activity. There are many ways to express love to your pet that do not involve food.
• A nutritious diet is important. Limit treats. Include the calories from treats in your pet’s daily diet plan. Check with your veterinarian to determine the amount and frequency of feeding. If your pet gobbles dinner, you can try using a food puzzle or bowl designed to slow eating.
• Set goals. Work with your pet’s doctor to develop realistic goals for your pet. Be patient. Reaching target weight and condition will take time.
• Make it fun. Increasing activity and living a healthier lifestyle benefits everyone in the family. 

Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight improves your companion’s chances of a longer life with you. Here’s to a happy, healthy new year.