WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
CARING FOR YOUR PET
Hills Pet Nutrition

More than 33 million dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese.  If left untreated, obesity can lead to many health problems, including:

  • Heart disease and breathing problems
  • Arthritis and joint problems
  • Diabetes mellitus

This information is provided by your veterinarian to help you care for your overweight or obese pet.  With proper nutrition and changes in lifestyle, your pet can lose weight safely, effectively and without feeling hungry.

See the body conditioning scoring chart to see if your pet is overweight.

WEIGH IN FOR HEALTH
Regular weight checks will help you and your veterinarian monitor your pet's weight and overall health.  Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's ideal weight and find out what you can do to help.

Through your efforts and the help of your veterinary health care team, your pet can be healthier, happier and more active.

COMMON CAUSES OF WEIGHT GAIN
  • Overeating--Pets who are fed high-calorie foods and treats or too much food tend to gain weight.
  • Disease--  Weight gain can be the result of a medical disorder.
  • Neutering/Spaying--  Increases the risk of weight gain.
  • Decreased activity--Pets that don't get enough exercise are more likely to gain weight and may need fewer calories.
  • Age--  Older pets are often less active, requiring fewer calories.

HOME CARE
  • Make a total commitment to help your pet lose weight.
  • Feed a low-calorie and specifically formulated food to help pets feel full while losing weight.
  • Avoid feeding your pet table scraps.
  • Divide the total amount to be fed each day into 3 or 4 smaller meals.
  • Regular, moderate exercise will help your pet.  Ask your veterinarian for advice.
  • Monitor your pet's weight regularly.

 

Medication
Prescriptions are available to assist your dog in loosing weight.
 Introducing SLENTROL:
 - For dogs only
 - Once-daily oral solution given directly into the mouth, with a small amount of food, or on a healthy treat.
- Works by decreasing a dog's appetite and food intake.
 - To be used as part of an overall program of weight-loss complementary to diet and exercise.


FEEDING THE BEST NUTRITION FOR EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS
Feeding an effective weight loss or weight maintenance food helps achieve and maintain an ideal body weight.  The right foods will result in safe, effective weight management while helping your pet feel full.

Work with your veterinarian to choose the best Hill's® food for your pet's healthy and effective weight loss.

Achieving and maintaining an ideal body weight has been demonstrated to extend life.  Hill's® weight management products are specifically formulated to help pets feel full while achieving and maintaining an ideal body weight.  The following characteristics are especially important for your pet:

Low in calories to help your pet lose weight.

Specially formulated to help your pet feel full and reduce begging.

The highest levels of L-carnitine to help your pet convert fat into energy while maintaining lean muscle mass.

Added essential fatty acids to promote healthy skin and shiny coat.

Great taste pets love!

Prescription Diet® Canine r/d® and Feline r/d®  designed for obese or overweight pets to help them feel full while losing weight.

Prescription Diet® Canine w/d® and Feline w/d® to help pets maintain optimal weight and feel less hungry.

Prescription Diet® Canine Treats--low calorie treats for dogs currently being fed Prescription Diet® Canine r/d® or Prescription Diet® Canine w/d®.

FEEDING TIPS
  • Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
  • Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over a 7-day period.
  • If your pet is reluctant to try a new food, warm the canned product to body temperature, hand feed or mix the dry food with warm water (dog food only).
  • Be patient but firm with your pet, because success depends on strict adherence to the new food.


LIGHTEN UP FOR BETTER HEALTH
The Facts

  • Obesity among pets has reached epidemic proportions.
  • In fact, 25% of dogs and cats are considered overweight or obese.
  • Excess weight, even a few pounds, can lead to serious health risks, including:
                  * Heart Disease
                  * High blood pressure
                  * Diabetes
                  * Arthritis

Help Avoid the Risks

  • Veterinary care, including regular weight check, will help your pet stay in the best of health and help avoid the problems associated with excess weight.
  • The right nutrition also helps your pet stay healthy.
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