Weight Management

 

Medical Reasons for Weight Gain

Hypothyroidism or Cushing's Disease are both medical reasons why your furry friend could be gaining weight. We usually recommend a Chemsitry/CBC and thyroid testing if your friend is gaining weight uncontrollably. If we rule out medical reasons that can be treated, then we typically recommend the Hills Metablic Diet. It increases metabolism naturally and 96% of dogs lost weight without changing their exercise routine or feeding schedule! Just like humans, as dogs age, their metabolism slows down and the Metabolic Diet by Hills can boost their metabolism and encourage an ideal weight which research shows will allow a dog to live about two years longer than an obese dog! 

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One of the Most Important Parts of Arthritis Treatment

Keeping an arthritic dog lean can make an enormous difference.

Every extra pound places additional stress on already painful joints. Excess body fat also isn't simply stored energy—it is biologically active tissue that contributes to inflammatory processes within the body.

For overweight dogs, even modest weight loss may improve mobility and clinical signs associated with arthritis.

Our goal isn't simply a lower number on the scale. We want to help your dog achieve a healthy body condition while preserving muscle mass.

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Exercise: Motion Is Medicine

Dogs with arthritis still need exercise.

In fact, avoiding activity completely can lead to:

Pain → Less activity → Muscle loss → Joint instability → More pain

The goal is controlled, consistent, low-impact activity.

Good options may include:

• Regular leash walks

• Several shorter walks instead of one very long walk

• Swimming or underwater treadmill therapy

• Controlled strengthening exercises

• Veterinary rehabilitation

Try to avoid the “weekend warrior” effect—very little activity during the week followed by strenuous running, hiking, jumping, or ball chasing on the weekend.

Consistency is usually better for arthritic joints.

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Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

Veterinary rehabilitation can be extremely helpful for dogs with arthritis.

Treatment may include:

• Therapeutic exercises

• Strength and balance exercises

• Range-of-motion exercises

• Hydrotherapy or underwater treadmill

• Massage/manual therapy

• Laser therapy (photobiomodulation)

• Other physical modalities

The goal is to maintain muscle, improve mobility, decrease pain, and preserve independence for as long as possible.

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Make Your Home Arthritis-Friendly

Small changes around the house can make a big difference.

Consider:

• Area rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors

• Ramps instead of jumping into vehicles or onto furniture

• Pet stairs where appropriate

• A supportive orthopedic bed

• Keeping nails appropriately trimmed

• Using a supportive harness for dogs who need help standing

• Keeping food, water, and frequently used areas easy to access

• Reducing unnecessary stair climbing

Slippery floors can be especially difficult for dogs with arthritis because they have to work harder to maintain their balance.

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How Do I Know If My Dog Has Arthritis?

Arthritis doesn't always look like obvious limping.

You may notice your dog:

• Is slow or stiff when getting up

• Hesitates before using stairs

• No longer jumps onto furniture or into the car

• Tires sooner on walks

• Walks more slowly or falls behind

• Has difficulty getting comfortable

• Shifts weight away from a painful leg

• Has difficulty squatting to urinate or defecate

• Slips more frequently on smooth floors

• Doesn't want to play as much

• Seems restless at night

• Becomes irritable when touched or picked up

• Loses muscle in the legs

• Still wants to participate but physically can't keep up

Slowing down isn't always “just getting old.” Sometimes it means something hurts.