Did Fido get too many table scraps over the holidays? Did Fluffy receive extra treats in her stocking this year? Regardless of how it happened, you realize your precious pet is carrying a little extra “fluff” and you would like to help them get back to a healthy weight. But where do you start?

Follow us for tips and tricks, as we delve into our 8-part series on weight loss.

Tip #1: The Veterinary Visit

The critical first step to any weight loss plan is a comprehensive physical exam. We cannot emphasize the importance of this enough! Time, effort, and money spent pursuing alternative avenues of weight loss may be wasted. So, do not pass “GO”, do not collect $200. Go. To. The. Vet.

Time, effort, and money spent pursuing alternative avenues of weight loss may be wasted.
So, do not pass “GO”, do not collect $200. Go. To. The. Vet.

Dr Ashby with her dog Gracie. Gracie is being a co-operative patient for her sample collection.
Annual exams and wellness testing ensure that Gracie is in tip-top shape.

The vet visit is also a great opportunity to weigh your pet! Using their weight and Body Condition Score, we can help determine your pet’s ideal weight. Based on their current daily intake, we will make recommendations for an updated feeding amount and routine. Your pet may also benefit from a prescription weight loss diet, which has more concentrated nutrients and can help them reach their ideal weight faster.

Body Condition Scoring is a tool that can help us estimate your pet’s ideal weight.

A variety of prescription weight loss diets are available to help you and your pet. These diets are more concentrated
in essential nutrients, so you can feed less while still ensuring your pet is receiving everything they need.

We know you want your pets to be healthy and happy (we do too!). So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today. Let’s work together to develop a plan that works for you and your fur family. The sooner we start, the sooner we will reach our destination.

Want to learn more? Keep checking-in, the next part in this series is expected to post mid-February 2020.