01/09/2025
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your pet's overall health and well-being.
Weight can be influenced by factors such as age, breed, health conditions, feeding routines, overfeeding, calorie-dense diets, inactivity, and genetics. To help your pet stay at a healthy weight, focus on these four simple steps.
🐕 Healthy Shape: Weighing them is not the only way to check if they're overweight. You can find out if your pet is a healthy weight by asking your veterinarian how to use the . The BCS is a 9-point system that evaluates physique, ranging from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (severely obese). An ideal score of 5 represents a healthy shape, where the ribs are easily felt, the waist is visible when viewed from above, and the abdomen tucks up behind the rib cage when viewed from the side.
🥎 Healthy Activity: Start by considering breed, as different breeds have unique energy levels and exercise needs. Likewise, your pet's age and health will play a key role in determining the right amount of activity for them. Regular exercise will ensure your pets keep fit, stay active and feel happy.
🥣 Healthy Portioning: They're smaller than you think! A good practice is to limit treats to less than 10% of your pet's daily calorie needs, which your veterinarian can help you determine. Then, reduce the amount of their regular food by an amount roughly equal to the calories contained in any treats given.
💗 Healthy Growth: As they grow, it’s essential to stay informed about changing needs at each stage of development. Consulting with your veterinarian and asking questions will ensure you feel confident in providing the care your pet requires as they mature.
Obesity may be the number one nutritional disorder of pets in North America, but it is also one that we can manage and monitor by utilizing systems like the BCS.
Together, we can make their life happier, healthier, and longer!
