Why Obesity Matters (real impact on health and quality of life)
Obesity in pets it's not just "a few extra kilos".is associated with an increased risk of problems such as diabetes, joint diseases (osteoarthritis), respiratory difficulties and an increased cardiovascular load. Maintaining a healthy weight improves your dog or cat's energy, mobility and quality of life.
At Benivet BenissaWe see it frequently in the veterinary practice in BenissaExcess fat can alter metabolism and promote low-grade inflammation, which worsens existing diseases. So acting early is often the most effective way to prevent complications.
Signs of overweight in dogs and cats (how to spot it at home)
You can orient yourself with simple signs:
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Cuesta noticing the ribs when touching (there is greasy "padding").
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Not visible waist from above (more "oval" body).
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There is less willingness to play or gets tired sooner.
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In cats, a tummy more marked.
If you also notice stiffness when getting up, lameness or less tolerance to walking, it is advisable to assess the joint component: excess weight often aggravates the discomfort that we treat at veterinary traumatology and orthopaedics.
How to prevent it: habits that work (food, rewards, activity, environment)
1) Measure the portion (not by eye).
Weighing food with scales is one of the most effective changes. The ration should be adjusted according to current weight, target weight, age, sterilisation and activity. If you want a plan with clear and realistic quantities, the ideal is a veterinary nutrition check-up in Benissa.
2) Control rewards (the big "blind spot")
Even if they are "healthy", treats add calories. A useful guideline is that extras should not crowd out the main diet. If there are several members of the family giving "treats", control becomes more complicated: in consultation we review it and make it easy.
3) Adapted daily activity
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Dogs: targeted walks (longer or progressively more intense) + sniffing games.
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Cats: short "chase" play sessions 2-3 times a day + interactive feeders/puzzles.
4) Avoid the "free buffet".
In many cats and some dogs, leaving food always available makes it easier to overfeed. Best timetables and measured portions.
5) Periodic review (to adjust before consolidation)
Weight changes with age, neutering and lifestyle. If your pet has previous illnesses or is on medication, it is even more important to coordinate weight control with veterinary internal medicine.
➡️ If you would like a personalised guideline, ask for one weight control appointment in Benissa and we help you set targets, rations, rewards and monitoring.
What we do in consultation (nutritional assessment and weight control plan)
In Benivet Benissa, boarding usually includes:
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Review of weight, body condition and, where appropriate, composition (muscle mass/fat).
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Review of current diet, rewards, "extras" and routine (including who feeds and how much).
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If necessary, clinical assessment to rule out factors that make it difficult to lose weight, starting from veterinary practice in Benissa and, where appropriate, supported by veterinary internal medicine.
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Practical plan: exact rationawards strategy, activity and follow-up reviews to adjust without losing muscle mass.
If the overweight is already causing pain or limitation, we combine this with the veterinary traumatology and orthopaedics to protect joints while losing weight.
Benissa and surroundings: when to make an appointment
Make an appointment if:
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Your pet is progressively gaining weight or you are unable to control it.
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Joint pain, increased fatigue, excessive panting or metabolic history.
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After spay/neuter you want a preventive plan (this is a key moment).
We attend families from Benissa and surrounding areas (Calpe, Teulada, Moraira and Marina Alta).
👉 Request your visit from contact Benivet Benissa and, if you want to get to know the centre, you can take a look at our veterinary facilities in Benissa.
