Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight? Weight Checks, Nutrition Advice and Prescription Diets

Walk down the pet food aisle and you will find hundreds of choices, each promising something different. It is no wonder so many pet owners ask us the same questions: Is my pet at a healthy weight? Am I feeding the right food? How much is too much?

A well-balanced diet is fundamental to your pet's overall health and wellness. This guide explains how we help with weight and nutrition at Vetcetera Animal Hospital in Bedford.

We weigh your pet at every visit

Every time your pet comes to see us, they are weighed. Tracking weight over time helps us notice gradual changes that are hard to see when you live with your pet every day. During a wellness exam, our veterinarians also monitor heart rate, respiratory rate and more as part of a full physical evaluation.

What we talk about with you

Weight is about more than the number on the scale. During the exam, we discuss your pet's:

• Diet and feeding habits, including treats
• Exercise routine and activity level
• Any changes in behaviour or energy

To get the most out of the visit, bring information about your pet's diet, such as the name of the food and how much you feed, along with any supplements they take.

Nutrition advice that fits your pet

There is no single best food for every pet. Our veterinarians offer tailored nutritional guidance to help you choose the right diet for your pet's age, breed, size and health condition.

We can also recommend dietary supplements or special prescription diets to address specific health issues or nutritional deficiencies.

Checking for a medical cause

If your pet's weight changes without an obvious reason, we may recommend diagnostic tests. Blood tests and urine analysis help us assess internal organ function and uncover underlying health issues. Our in-house lab gives us timely results, so we can plan next steps sooner. Learn more about our pet diagnostics.

A sudden change in appetite or thirst is also worth a call. Our guide to pets drinking or peeing more than usual explains what we look for.

Exercise and lifestyle

Our veterinarians offer personalized lifestyle recommendations based on your pet's age, breed, activity level and medical history. That can include exercise routines, environmental enrichment and socialization opportunities that keep your pet active and happy.

For dogs with joint concerns, managing diet and exercise is an important part of keeping them comfortable. Hip screening with PennHIP can help predict the risk of hip dysplasia early, allowing for proactive management such as diet and exercise adjustments. Read more in our guide to hip dysplasia screening.

Nutrition at every life stage

A growing puppy, an active adult cat and a senior dog all have different needs. We adjust nutrition advice as your pet moves through each stage of life. If you have an older pet, our guide to senior pet care covers what changes as they age.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

The best way is to have your pet weighed and examined. Our veterinarians can tell you whether your pet is at a healthy weight and what to do if they are not.

Do you sell prescription diets?

Our veterinarians can recommend special prescription diets for specific health issues. Visit our products and supplies page or ask our team about availability.

Should I give my pet supplements?

Talk with us first. We can recommend supplements when they will help, and we like to know about every supplement your pet takes.

More from our team

You may also want to read about itchy ears and skin and pet dental care.

Book a nutrition and weight check in Bedford

Have questions about your pet's weight or diet? Request an appointment or call Vetcetera Animal Hospital at (902) 832-4818. We are at 1144 Bedford Highway, Bedford, Nova Scotia.