Every day you make choices regarding your dog's diet, level of exercise and overall well-being.  These choices are particularly important when you notice that your dog has gained a few extra pounds.  By modifying your dog's diet and level of exercise in consultation with your veterinary team, you are improving the quality of your dog's life and longevity.

Does your dog get enough exercise?

If your dog's exercise routine is limited to the daily jog to greet you at the front door, you may want to consider the many benefits of additional exercise for your pet.  Enjoying a daily activity with your dog is an easy way to improve your dog's overall health.

How can you help your dog become more active?

Start by choosing one activity such as a daily walk.  To keep it interesting for both of you, try new routes and different locations.  As your dog becomes more fit, you can add other activities such as swimming or a variety of games.  Once this becomes part of your daily routine, both of you will look forward to this time together. Also, check out the section "Fun and Games for you and your dog"

The ultimate goal is to get your dog up and moving.  Every bit of activity counts!

Ask your veterinary team about great activities you can do with your dog!

How can you tell if your dog is becoming overweight?

It is difficult to detect a gradual increase in your dog's weight.  For this reason, it is important to regularly weigh your pet.  By removing the extra weight, you are significantly improving the quality of your dog's life as well as extending the number of healthy years that you will enjoy together.

What can you do?

• With our help, learn how to score the body condition of your dog.  This simple technique allows you to assess if your dog is overweight.

• Ask us to prepare a SlimFit^tm weight loss program that is designed specifically for your dog (Dr. Taylor may want to do blood tests before your dog begins a weight loss program).  This program will determine the most appropriate diet and feeding amounts, and provide you with nutrition and exercise tips to best help your dog achieve an ideal weight.

• Follow the weigh-in schedule we recommend as closely as possible.  Regular weigh-ins are necessary to ensure success!

We are here to help!

Weight loss is never easy - neither for us nor for our pets!  That's why your veterinary team is here to provide ongoing encouragement, suggestions and ideas to help your dog achieve an ideal weight and maintain this weight after the excess is lost.

 Why are a few extra pounds so significant?

One or two pounds may not sound like a lot, but for a dog those extra pounds may be the equivalent of 10-20 excess pounds for a person!  Helping your dog lose a few pounds will greatly improve his overall health. 

Please give us a call to find out if a weight loss program would be appropriate for your dog!