Berkeley Veterinarian Offers Wellcare Services to Manage Healthy Weight in Pets
Wellcare visits at our animal hospital consist of administration of routine vaccinations and boosters, as well as inspection of your pet's vital signs, skin health, dental health, reflexes and weight. Wellness checks should begin when your pet is just a few weeks old and continue for life. At each appointment, we will ask you if your pet has been having any problems, weight gain or changes in behavior. If the health check-up fails to identify the cause of a health problem, we may order lab work to make a thorough diagnosis.
Wellcare for Dog Obesity, Cat Obesity and Healthy Dog and Cat Weight Loss
One of the most epidemic health problems among pets is dog obesity and cat obesity. In fact, as many as one in two dogs and cats are overweight and could benefit from nutritional and dietary changes. Just as with humans dog obesity and cat obesity can cause major health complications and a shortened life expectancy. To find out if your pet is overweight, our Berkeley veterinarian recommends feeling for your dog or cat's ribs, as they should be easily felt through the skin. Also, the stomach area should be tucked, rather than sagging. If you cannot feel the ribs or the stomach area is sagging, make an appointment to visit our animal hospital for a check-up.
Although half of the pets in the U.S. are overweight, some experience the opposite problem - unhealthy weight loss. Although it may be due to poor diet or disease, occasionally, rapid dog weight loss or cat weight loss may be the result of hyperthyroidism. Like humans, dog hyperthyroidism and cat hyperthyroidism causes an overproduction of certain hormones in the body that regulate fat storage and metabolism. If undiagnosed, dog and cat hyperthyroidism may be alarming to pet owners who are working hard to help their pets reach a healthy weight, only to see further cat or dog weight loss.
If you are in need of a Berkeley veterinarian who will look after every aspect of your pet's wellness needs, as well as offer helpful advice for caring for your pet's health at home, make an appointment to visit our animal hospital soon. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your pets.
Call us today at 510-841-4412.