According to recent studies, 30 to 40 percent of all pets in the United States are overweight, making obesity one of the most common diseases afflicting dogs and cats today. Too much weight can cause some of the same problems in pets as it does in people, including respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease

You might think that a couple of extra pounds on your dog or cat isn't a big deal, but you'd be wrong. An extra five pounds on a dog that should weigh 17 pounds is similar to an extra 50 pounds on a person who should weigh 170 pounds.

You can monitor your pet's weight at home by simply feeling his ribs. Place your fingers on the side of the rib cage and press or rub gently. If you can feel his or her ribs fairly easily, your pet is probably not overweight. If you have to press harder to feel the ribs, he is likely overweight. As you are observing and feeling the ribs, look for your pet's "waist." If your pet's weight is normal, the body should become more slender as you look from the end of the ribs to the hindquarters.

If a weight problem is detected, your veterinarian may recommend a program consisting of exercise and a food with reduced fat and calories like Hill's Prescription Diet® r/d® formulas, which have been designed specifically for the management of weight problems in pets.

Here at OVH we want to help you achieve and maintain your pet’s ideal weight. Proper food, plenty of exercise, and regular checkups with your veterinarian are the best way to ensure your pet's optimum health, fitness, and happiness.

Click on the links above to learn more about Weight Management and Hills Prescription Diet foods. If you have questions about your pet's weight call us at 732-531-1212, or you can email us at oakhurstvet@yahoo.com.