3 Steps to Help Pets Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight

By Desert Star Staff

Pet parents often show love for their pets with food. However, that extra “love” can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of developing other medical conditions.

More than 50% of pets are overweight, but 90% of pet parents with an overweight pets don’t realize it, according to research from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led nutrition.

To help transform the lives of pets, Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson, stars of Nat Geo Wild’s “Critter Fixers: Country Vets,” are encouraging pet parents to take a proactive approach to maintain their pet’s weight.

“As veterinarians, we want every pet to live a long and healthy life,” Hodges said.

“That’s why pet parents should actively monitor their pet’s weight and address it in realtime with the guidance of their veterinarian. We are proud to be a part of Hill’s ‘End Pet Obesity’ campaign to help pet parents learn about the impact of even a few extra pounds and equip them with the tools and resources they need to help their pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight.”

Consider these simple steps to get started:

Take the L.O.V.E. Test

To help assess a pet’s weight, use the L.O.V.E. Test, which includes four simple actions:

Locate the pet’s ribs

Observe from above View from the side

Evaluate feeding behavior ideal weight? at a healthy weight - starting with the food they feed.”

“Sometimes, under all their beautiful fur, it’s hard to realize our pets have gained weight, and even just a few extra pounds can impact their energy and overall wellness,” Ferguson said.

How can I help my pet reach a perfect weight?

How can food help manage my pet’s weight?

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“Taking the L.O.V.E test is easy to evaluate a pet’s body condition to determine if it’s time to take action.”

Schedule a Visit with a Veterinarian

Pet parents concerned about their pet’s weight should seek their veterinarian’s guidance. Conversation starters include:

Is my pet at an

Switch to the Right Food

“Obesity is one of the greatest health risks for pets, and what a pet eats is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make,” Ferguson said.

“Whether your pet is a new addition to the family or has just eaten a little too much, now is a great time for pet parents to reset nutritional habits and ensure their pet is

Pet parents should work with their veterinarian to choose the right food to support their pet’s weight loss journey. Weight management products can help pets achieve an ideal weight, including Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight, which has been shown to lead to weight loss within 10 weeks in 70% of pets fed this nutritional food. For obese pets, veterinarians may recommend therapeutic food.

“We have been studying the impact of nutrition on how pets’ bodies function