If your pet needs to lose weight, you’re probably already thinking about feeding less or walking more. Pet weight loss, however, should always start with veterinary care. Even a routine check-up at Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care will play a role in preventing and managing obesity in pets. Especially in sunny Jupiter, where active pet lifestyles are common, making sure your animal companion is in their best shape helps them enjoy the outdoors and avoid future health emergencies.
Pet Obesity Is a Growing Concern
Obesity is a common, yet largely preventable health condition seen in dogs and cats. In fact, 33% of cat owners and 35% of dog owners reported their pet as either overweight or obese in a 2024 study from The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Obesity in pets can lead to:
- Joint Pain / Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart Issues
- Respiratory Issues
- Shorter Lifespan
What’s most concerning? Weight gain often happens gradually and goes unnoticed until health issues arise, which is why routine vet visits are your first line of defense.
Routine Vet Visits in Managing Pet Obesity
When you bring your pet into a veterinary office for a routine wellness check, you are giving the vet an opportunity to assess your pet’s overall health, which includes nutrition and weight.
Get Accurate Weight Tracking Over Time. Home scales and visual checks can be misleading, especially in fluffy pets. Regular weigh-ins at a veterinary hospital will monitor trends to catch early weight gain.
View Body Condition Scoring (BCS). Some veterinarians use a hands-on body condition score (BCS) to evaluate fat distribution, muscle tone, and body shape.
Discuss Nutrition Guidance and Portion Planning. What you feed and how much makes a huge impact. A veterinarian can discuss proper nutrition for your pet and what nutritional needs might have changed since your pet’s last visit, based on age or health status.
Address Underlying Health Conditions. Some pets gain weight due to medical issues like hypothyroidism or arthritis limiting mobility. Routine veterinary exams detect and treat these root causes early.
Account for Ongoing Support and Adjustments. Weight management isn’t one-and-done. Routine veterinary visits adjust your pet’s plan over time and set realistic weight-loss goals, if needed.
Does My Pet Have to Wait for an Annual Visit?
If your pet is gaining unexplained weight or you’re simply worried about their nutritional needs, you do not have to wait for an annual veterinary visit. Set up a consultation appointment with a vet and let them know you’d like to discuss the current nutritional health and weight of your pet. To best prepare for an appointment like this, make sure to write down your pet’s current eating and exercise habits, as well as take pictures of food and treat labels to share with the veterinary team.
Consultations for Pet Weight Loss in Jupiter, FL
Routine veterinary visits are a vital part of keeping your pet at a healthy weight and preventing disease. Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care has safe weight loss guidance for pets in Jupiter and from areas like Palm Beach Gardens and Juno Beach. Schedule a wellness visit or weight loss consultation for your pet at Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care.
