The bigger you allow your pet to become, the bigger the health problems they face.
When a human becomes overweight, they are at a higher risk of developing serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Did you know that this applies to your pet too?
Lots of animals will happily eat whatever they are given. This means if you are feeding your pet too much, or the wrong type of food, they could become overweight very easily. In the majority of cases we see at Jerry McCarthy Veterinary Clinic, pet owners have simply been feeding their pet a diet which contains more energy than they are using.
It’s not only your pet’s diet that can contribute to their weight. There are a number of factors to take into consideration such as their age, breed, sex and neuter status. You should ensure that you are feeding your pet the appropriate diet to counter balance these factors.
The best way to stay on top of your pet’s weight is to exercise them regularly. Not only will keeping them active maintain great health, it will also keep their joints supple and give you plenty of time to bond with your pet.
We appreciate that the majority of pet owners overfeed their pet accidentally, but it extremely important that you speak to a Veterinary professional about your pet’s diet. Weight issues such as obesity can lead to serious and potentially costly health problems in the future.
In between visits to see our vet you can keep an eye on your pets weight. You should be able to see the outline of their ribcage and their waist at all times. Also, when you look at them from the side, their stomach should be tucked up out of view. If this is not the case with your pet bring them to see us as soon as possible.
If you would like more information about what your pet should be eating, or you’re worried that they are overweight, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and book an appointment with one of our nurses.
To have your pet cared for at the clinic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us by calling 028 23000 or 086 8535358.