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SiG MT 98 S MT What are the benefits of keeping my pet at a healthy weight? Keeping your pet at a healthy weight lowers his/her risks that are associated with excess weight. If your pet has arthritis, keeping him/her at a healthy weight makes it easier to manage the discomfort associated with joint pain. Because excess weight can reduce your pet's life expectancy by more than two years, keeping your pet trim gives them the best chance of a longer, healthier, and pain-free life. How do I reduce my pet's weight? First, weight loss must be a family effort. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight requires a commitment to a healthier lifestyle that achieves a balance between the calories consumed and the calories used by the body for normal functions and activity. Even a modest reduction in weight can significantly reduce your pet's risk of life- threatening diseases. In simplest terms, weight loss involves reducing your pet's caloric intake and increasing their activity level to burn more calories. Our canine friends believe treats are necessary, offer low calorie snacks such as air popped popcorn or a piece of vegetable, such as a baby carrot or green bean. Be patient. It oen takes longer to lose weight than it did for your pet to gain it. e most important decision you make each day about your pet's health is what you choose to feed it. Choose wisely; your pet's life depends on it. Dawn Milligan has been with Best Friends Animal Hospital for over 13 years. Dawn is a Veterinary Technician with over 30 years experience. She has been the Practice Manager for the last 8 years. Dawn's passion is advocating for all animals. A dog or cat's nutritional requirements vary based on age and health, which may leave some pet owners questioning how to provide the right kind of food. Your veterinarian is the best source for making recommendations specifically suited for your pet. Veterinarians typically use a measurement called a body condition scale or body condition score to assess whether a pet is underweight, overweight, or just right. Your veterinarian can use this scale to show you what to look for when checking your pet's weight.