A pet is perfect in the eyes of their owner, but too many treats can lead to health problems down the line. Unfortunately, it can be hard to determine when a pet’s weight has become an issue.
While puppies should be fed three times per day until they reach six months old, portion size still matters. Whether you’re living with a fat cat or a pudgy puppy, here are some tell-tale signs they should go on a diet.
No ribs here
For both cats and dogs, a healthy pet should have easily identifiable ribs when you search for these bones. If you have trouble finding the grooves of their ribs, even under a thick coat, this means that they might be overweight.
However, visible ribs are a sign that your pet is underfed or not getting the right nutrients in their diet. This is vital when you start to engage in a diet for your pet since you don’t want them to lose too much weight.
Poor hygiene
Cats are able to clean themselves by licking their fur. If they’re unable to reach fur patches on their body because of their weight, you might start to notice skin irritation or stray fecal matter on your kitty. Most dogs will also clean themselves following a trip to the bathroom, but obese animals will have trouble reaching these sensitive spots.
If a cat or dog is unable to clean themselves because of their weight, a variety of health issues can occur. Your best bet is to take them to your local animal hospital or veterinary clinic for a check-up and a nutrition plan.
Know their breed standard
If you’re living with multiple pets in the house, it can be easy to compare them to each other. For example, a lithe cat might make your small dog look even chubbier than usual. Your English Bulldog might also seem massive compared to your teacup Yorkie.
However, your pet’s weight is impacted by a variety of factors, including their breed and age. Because of this, it’s natural for an older Bulldog to weigh much more than your Toy Poodle. Talk to your local vet clinic for more information on breed standards and weight ranges for your pet’s age.
While we might love the look of a fat cat, their health is more important than those adorably chubby cheeks. For more information on how much your pet should weigh, rely on the veterinary clinic you can trust: Sykesville Veterinary Clinic.