Ed. Note: The following content was provided by Cinema Veterinary Centre, who is a client of KHTS AM-1220.

With overweight pets becoming more and more common, many pet owners don’t realize the potential health risks their dog or cat is facing on a daily basis.

“As an American culture, most of our pets– as well as most of us –are overweight,” said Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto of Cinema Veterinary Centre. “So (pet owners) see these other pets that all look the same, so they think that’s normal. But really they’re all just a little bit chubby, a little overweight.”

Jaimie Ronchetto, DVM

To help determine if a dog or cat is overweight, Ronchetto recommends using a simple at-home technique called body condition scoring. When looking at your pet from above, “you want to be able to see that they have a little bit of a waist,” she said. “They should have a little bit of an hourglass figure.”

You should also be able to feel your pet’s ribs “fairly easily” without having them protruding or sticking out, according to Ronchetto. “But if there’s a layer of fat there and you really have to press to find those ribs, then they may need to lose a little bit of weight,” she added.

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For dogs who aren’t used to exercising, Ronchetto advises pet owners to start small.

“If they like water … swimming is a great exercise. You just want to make sure that they’re doing it safely,” she said. “If it seems like they’re struggling a little bit but they’re enjoying it, maybe get them a little life vest to help them with buoyancy. Swimming is great because there’s no stress on the joints and it helps with mobility.”

If your dog is used to more strenuous activities, taking him hiking in cool temperatures can also help with weight loss.

“Again, a little bit at a time,” Ronchetto said, “and certainly not taking them out when it’s really hot, because they can get overheated.  Bring water and just be very aware of their body language and making sure you’re taking frequent breaks for them.”

Pet owners can help overweight cats be more active by using toys that encourage exercise, like laser pointers.

For both dogs and cats, Ronchetto said to be aware of what they’re eating and be sure to give treats only in moderation. Dog owners can substitute regular dog treats for healthy snacks like carrots, green beans or similar veggies.

“They get a little bit of a crunch and it can be a little sweet, so sometimes that works really well,” Ronchetto said. “Apples work well… Grapes and raisins are a no-no.”

Simply paying more attention to your pet’s diet and making an extra effort to get them active can make a big difference– both in helping them lose weight and lowering the health risks that come with those extra few pounds.

Cinema Veterinary Centre

23460 Cinema Drive

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-9300