Some pet owners shy away from taking their pets to the vet if they are overweight, but you don't need to try and tackle your pet's weight problem on your own. Vets are used to seeing pets with weight problems, and they understand that pets can gain weight for a variety of reasons. They would sooner help your pet get to a healthy weight than pass judgement on how they became overweight. Being proactive and seeking out some help for your pet shows that you are a loving and committed pet parent, so read on to learn about how your vet can support you if your pet's overweight.

Medication

In some cases, pets become overweight due to an underlying health problem, such as a thyroid condition or kidney disease. Your vet will examine your pet and may take blood samples to check for health problems that can impact weight. If your pet does have an underlying condition, your vet can prescribe medication to get the condition under control, which tends to resolve the unwanted weight gain.

Dietetic Guidance

Knowing how to keep your pet healthy isn't always straightforward. The age and breed of your pet are important factors in determining their dietary needs. Your vet can work with you to develop a feeding schedule to ensure your pet is getting the right amount of food, and they can recommend types of food that are nutritionally complete. In some cases, your vet may recommend a temporary calorie-restricted diet to quickly bring your pet's weight down to a healthy amount. They will guide you through the dietary changes you will need to make for your pet to ensure they continue to get all the nutrients they require while on a restrictive diet.

Weigh-Ins

It's not uncommon for vets to run regular weight check clinics. Taking your pet along to these clinics enables you to keep track of their weight and weight loss progress and gives you the opportunity to discuss your pet's weight loss journey with the vet. They can also give you some tips for ensuring your pet is getting enough exercise and help you troubleshoot if your pet's progress stalls.

These are just a few examples of how your vet can help you get your pet back to a healthy weight. If you have concerns about your pet's weight, or if you're unsure what a healthy weight range is for your pet, contact your vet for more information.