What is the Pawsitively Fit Program?

Pawsitively Fit starts with a one-on-one consultation with one of our technicians to prepare a weight management program for your pet. This will include a nutritional plan and an exercise program, with target weight goals established. The program and targets will be created specifically for your pets’ age, breed, health and lifestyle.
Regular, complimentary, follow-up progress visits including frequent weigh-ins will help keep you and your pet on track, as well as provide opportunities for us to discuss any concerns you may have.

Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Fit

Feeding the correct diet in the right amount and providing suitable exercise are the cornerstones to health and fitness. Weight gain in pets is normally the result of a pet eating too much, especially when combined with a lack of or decrease in exercise.
By maintaining a healthy weight you can help to reduce the risks associated with obesity and help your pet lead a longer, more energetic life.

Make a healthy weight your pet’s New Years Resolution!

The effects of obesity

Did you know that overweight pets live an average of 2 years less than pets that are of optimum weight?
Obesity is a serious problem in pets, and just like in people, can lead to some very serious diseases:
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Cardiovascular Disease - heart disease
• Degenerative Joint & Orthopedic Disease (DJD)
• Joint Stress/Musculoskeletal Pain
• Exercise intolerance
• Increased surgical and anesthetic complications
• Neurological disorders (for example, disk disorders)
• Respiratory problems
• Skin problems
• Premature aging
• Heat Intolerance
• Hypertension - high blood pressure
• Decreased quality of life
• Susceptibility to infections

Research has shown that around 56% of dogs and 32% of cats are overweight to some degree. In contrast, only 22% of dog owners think that their pet has a weight problem!

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

These are some of the key things we look for in pets to determine if they are overweight:
• Ribs can't be easily felt when running your hands along their sides.
• Loss of an obvious waist.
• You have had to loosen your pet’s collar several times over the past year, and not because they are a growing puppy!
• Your pet is not as active as they used to be.
• Your pet may being having trouble getting up or down, or move more slowly.
• Your pet may become short of breath after activity Why may my pet be overweight?
• Excessive calorie intake (over-eating). This can be due to simply feeding too much of their regular diet, or over-feeding treats and/or table foods.
• Lack of exercise.
• Appetite-stimulating drug therapy (for example, steroid use)
• Decreased energy requirements (for example, Hypothyroid disease)

I think my pet needs to lose weight. What now?

If your pet has had a recent veterinary visit with us, call us to set up an appointment with one of our Veterinary Technicians. Our team members are trained to assess your pet’s body condition and provide information on diet and exercise requirements. They can work to create an effective weight loss program for your pet!

If your pet has not had a recent check-up, it is best to make an appointment for an examination with your veterinarian, before embarking on a weight-loss program.

While the previously mentioned changes are often due to weight gain, they can also indicate illness or disease.