Obese Pet? Call the Vet!

We hear a lot about how the obesity epidemic in this country affects people. But the same lax eating habits and sedentary lifestyles that afflict us can harm our pets as well. Do you hand out treats without keeping count of them? Do you feed your pet human food without questioning whether that food is best for your pet’s nutrition? Does your pet sit on the couch all day because you never take it out for exercise? If so, it is up to you to change those habits for the better. Your pet certainly cannot force the issue -- until you have to take it to an animal hospital for medical treatment.

Just as obesity can damage human health, an obese pet can suffer from a variety of dangerous conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, joint deterioration, labored breathing -- all of these “human” ailments can also ruin a dog or cat’s quality of life. But obesity does not always stem from laziness or overeating. In some cases, a problem in the thyroid gland or other metabolic illness can cause your pet to pack on the pounds. The good news is that our veterinary hospital can help.

Obesity Treatments at Our Animal Hospital

If you live in Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Radnor, Gladwyne or surrounding areas and you need to get your pet on the fast track to a leaner, healthier lifestyle, contact our Ardmore vet clinic and we will be happy to help. We can determine whether your pet needs medication to counter a metabolic illness such as thyroid trouble. We can also recommend prescription diets or a weight-loss exercise regimen to help your pet shed those extra pounds safely while establishing good habits for future health.

Let us leave you with some food for thought. What is the most overweight pet you ever encountered? Did you comment on it at the time? Was the pet receving treatment at a veterinary hospital? How do you feel when you see such a pet?


We want to hear about it!