Obesity

fat cat

Excess weight is a serious health problem for dogs and cats and is common in many countries. The two main causes of obesity are too much food and too little exercise. Other contributing factors can be due to hormonal influences, certain genetic factors, and other disease processes.

If you pet is carrying extra weight, it can:

  1. Increase the risk of heart disease by forcing the heart to work harder.
  2. Increase the risk of arthritis as extra weight can stress the joints, cause joint pain, and make it harder for your pet to move around comfortably.
  3. Obesity can cause breathing problems, skin and hair coat problems.
  4. Especially in cats, obesity frequently leads to diabetes.

All of these problems can make your pet uncomfortable and limit the way they interact with you and other family members.

Treatment is to rule out and treat any medical causes, such as hypothyroidism. Reducing caloric intake and increasing exercise can help your pet successfully lose weight. Lifestyle changes and a weight loss program are essential. Your veterinarian can help determine if your pet is too heavy and provide guidelines for achieving their ideal weight. Slentrol is an oral weight loss drug for obese dogs that are not able to lose weight by other means.

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Midland Park Office

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed Temporarily

Sunday:

Closed Temporarily

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VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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  • "I brought my dog to Dr. Shokoff for a second opinion and found out that she had been misdiagnosed from a previous vet for literally years. After a thorough set of exams and tests, it was determined that she did NOT have chronic pancreatitis. She is now living many days without having to be hospitalized with each occurrence. The office is energized and the doctors and staff are pleasant and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this office and encourage everyone to get a second opinion."
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