Pets, like us humans, are susceptible to weight problems. If you have noticed your pet is starting to stack on the kgs then you shouldn’t hesitate to try and rectify the problem.

Why? Because weight for pets, like us humans, can be bad for our general health! Weight problems in cats, dogs, and other pets can lead to everything from heart problems to diabetes, cancer, and more, so it’s really not a problem that should be allowed to become exacerbated.

Each and every cat and dog breed has its ideal weight, so a quick Google search or a consultation with your vet will be able to tell you where your pet stands.

But what to do if your pet is overweight? Well, there are numerous ways you can change the problem so that they don’t become more overweight and risk any of the above-mentioned (or other) health problems.

You’ve already got the best pet insurance, you give them a loving, warm home – so why let their unnecessary weight gain spoil all the good things in their life?!

Here are some ways to reduce these risks:

Why pets need proper nutrition

The right pet food is vital to ensure their ongoing health and wellbeing. Pets require balanced nutrition to have a healthy lifestyle and maintain the right weight.

If you have noticed your pet stacking on the kilos, your vet might recommend the Hill’s Prescription Diet pet food brand to help them shed some of that extra weight.

This brand has the nutrition required to provide your furry little friend with a more balanced, nutritious diet, and one that will help them lose that unwanted weight.

But changing your pet’s diet isn’t the only way you can improve their weight and help them stay healthy and active.

You can also do the following:

1. Work with your vet to establish your cat or dog’s target weight, monitor & record your pet’s weight & set healthy goals for them;
2. Feed them only at designated feeding times at day & night;
3. Don’t overfeed your pets
4. Don’t give them unhealthy snacks;
5. Avoid feeding them too many of your leftovers – all they really need is a taste.

The following will also help you reduce and maintain your pet’s weight:

1. Watch your pet’s diet

Different cats and different dogs have varied requirements when it comes to what they should and shouldn’t be eating. Your vet should have a pretty good idea of your particular pet bread and what kind/what amount of food they can safely continue eating.

2. Keep tabs on your pet’s weight

You should continue to track your pet’s weight to ensure they are losing weight at a healthy pace. Some pets don’t actually need to lose too much weight, and if they are losing plenty of weight at a rapid pace then this could also be a bad sign. By regularly tracking their weight you will be able to tell when they have reached their target weight and can then maintain it from there.

3. Keep their lifestyle active

Like humans, pet weight loss doesn’t only require healthy eating – your pet has to be active, too! Walks and playing in the park are two great places to start, of course.

4. Visit your vet

It may not sound like it, but a pet putting on too much weight and too quickly is actually a health risk. Ensure you keep taking your pet to the vet to keep track of how they are going and if any of your methods need alteration…