Vet Sarah discusses the benefits of weight monitoring and body condition scoring
September 14, 2023
Pet obesity is a growing problem and unfortunately, in Northamptonshire we have our own overweight population of pets. To educate owners on how to keep your pet safe from the associated health conditions linked to being either underweight or obese, our Vet Sarah has compiled the following advice on monitoring weight changes.
If you are concerned your pet may be obese or struggling with their health due to their weight, do not hesitate to contact us at Daventry Vets so we can develop a realistic exercise plan and diet, tailored to your pet.
Book a pet weight check with our nurses
To help you right now, take a look at the Body Condition Scoring Chart for Cats and Dogs we use in clinic using the button below – this will help you to get a feel of where your pet’s weight currently lies. To get a proper diagnosis and weight-loss or gain program created, book a pet weight check with our nursing team.
Body Condition Scoring Chart for Dogs
Body Condition Scoring Chart for Cats
Your pet’s overall health
Sarah advises that any sudden change in your pet’s weight could be a symptom of an underlying health condition that needs to be investigated. Weight loss or weight gain both come with their own extensive list of associated medical conditions, but the most common ailments we treat are osteoarthritis and diabetes. Contact us to book an appointment with our veterinary team as soon as possible if your pet has suddenly experienced weight loss or weight gain.
Preventing obesity & early detection
Heart disease, joint problems and diabetes – if your pet is overweight, then the risk of these conditions affecting them becomes much higher. By taking preventative action and monitoring their weight, you can nip obesity in the bud and protect your pet from these life-threatening diseases. It also helps to detect any changes in your pet’s overall health early on, which could lead to them needing veterinary attention.
Feeding habits
Our team of vets at our Daventry clinic all see examples daily of pets who are consuming far too many calories and are not burning enough calories to stay at a healthy weight. There is also the opposite problem, with pets being in a calorie deficit with owners not understanding their pet’s nutritional needs.
Book an appointment to discuss your pet’s weight, diet and exercise regime to ensure they are staying as healthy as possible. Our advice will be tailored to your pet – for example, if they are a working dog then they may need a higher protein, higher calorie diet. If they are a house cat, their diet will need to reflect their activity levels. Daventry Vets can help you with this.
Our Vet Sarah believes that regular weight monitoring will not only help to avoid obesity and its associated health risks, but it will also help to ensure that your pet is receiving the correct nutrition levels to keep them happy and healthy. Contact us if you have any concerns about your pet by calling 01327 877767.
Body Condition Scoring Chart for Dogs
Body Condition Scoring Chart for Cats
