Weight Management
For pets who are carrying extra weight — or at risk of it
A little extra weight is easy to overlook, but it adds real strain to your pet's joints, heart, and long-term health. We build weight management plans around your pet's actual body condition and your household routine, with regular check-ins to keep progress on track.
Walk-ins welcome during office hours. Appointments are only required for surgeries — call us to schedule those.
Who Needs This?
- Pets your vet has flagged as overweight at a wellness visit
- Dogs and cats with reduced energy, mobility, or joint discomfort
- Pets recovering from spay/neuter, when metabolism often slows
- Owners who aren't sure if their pet's weight is actually a problem
Signs Your Pet May Need This
- You can't easily feel your pet's ribs under a light layer of fat
- No visible waist when viewed from above
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or play like before
- Heavy panting or tiring quickly on walks
- Weight gain since the last wellness visit
What to Expect
- 1
Weight and body condition check
We assess your pet's current weight and body condition score, not just a number on a scale.
- 2
Ruling out medical causes
Some weight gain is driven by conditions like thyroid imbalance, so we consider whether testing is warranted.
- 3
A realistic plan
We set a target weight and build a feeding and exercise plan that fits your pet's life and your household.
- 4
Regular weigh-ins
Short recheck visits track progress and let us adjust the plan as needed.
Recovery & Aftercare
Healthy weight loss in pets is gradual — typically one to two percent of body weight per week. Most pets see improved energy and mobility well before reaching their target weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pet is actually overweight?
It's not just about weight in pounds — we look at body condition, including whether you can feel the ribs and see a waist. We're happy to do a quick assessment at any visit.
Will a prescription diet be required?
Not always. Many pets do well with portion control and exercise adjustments alone. For pets who need more structured support, a therapeutic weight-loss diet can help.
How often should we do weigh-ins during a weight loss plan?
Monthly check-ins are typical, so we can track progress and adjust food amounts before too much time passes without results.
Can extra weight actually shorten my pet's life?
Yes — carrying excess weight is linked to a higher risk of joint problems, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan in both dogs and cats, which is why we take it seriously even when a pet seems otherwise healthy.
What Does It Cost?
Weight management visits are typically low-cost rechecks focused on progress, with cost varying only if diagnostic testing or a prescription diet is added to rule out an underlying cause.
What Families Say on Google
“Great place, friendly people and great service and prices.”
“Staff helped me set up for my pups.”