Healthy Weight, Happy Joints: Rehabilitation-Focused Weight-Management Programs
Meet Baxter:
Baxter is a 7 year old German Shepherd mix who loves treats a little too much. Over the years, he has put on about 8 more pounds than what is healthy for his size. This may not sound like much, but for a dog like Baxter, it is significant. This added weight is taking its toll on Baxter, especially his joints. His hips and knees are causing him to take slower walks and limp after playtime. His vet explains that the extra weight is putting pressure on his joints, making it harder for him to move without pain.
Why A Healthy Weight Is Important
Excess weight on your pet doesn’t just affect its energy levels, it puts a strain on their joints, muscles and bones. These extra pounds put more pressure on important areas such as hips, knees and the spine, making movement more difficult and uncomfortable. This is especially true if your pet is facing other issues, like arthritis or recovering from surgery. Over time, this added stress can lead to increased wear and tear, reduced mobility and chronic pain. Helping pets maintain a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to protect their joints and support long-term mobility.
PrimePet Rehabilitation’s Process
PrimePet Rehabilitation Therapy has a trusted process for treating your overweight pet. We start by assessing your pet’s body condition score (BCS), which is a visual and physical evaluation that helps determine how much excess weight that your pet is carrying. From there, we calculate your pet’s daily calorie needs based on their ideal weight. We then create a personalized weight loss plan based on age, size, activity levels and any medical conditions. This will usually consist of measured, portioned meals or lower calorie foods. Progress is tracked with regular weigh-ins to ensure your pet is losing weight safely and steadily. This consistent monitoring allows us to make any necessary adjustments to your pet’s plan, while helping to reduce joint strain and improve their overall health.
Additional Tools We Use
In addition to dietary changes, PrimePet Rehabilitation offers solutions for low impact exercise and strength training to help your pet successfully lose weight. We believe in a holistic approach to your pet’s health, and these exercises will not only help your pet lose weight, but it will also support joint health and promote muscle development. Gentle movement like underwater treadmill sessions or controlled incline walking help burn calories without putting excessive stress on sensitive or arthritic joints. To visualize, these exercises are similar to a person walking on a low incline treadmill, which is a low impact, yet powerful way to stay in shape. As your pet loses weight, they begin building strength in their core and legs, which will improve their stability and mobility. Over time, these exercises will even prevent future injuries by reinforcing the muscles that support and protect your pet’s joints.
Small changes in weight loss can have a drastic impact on your pet’s joints and help improve their function. We can guide you in your pet’s weight loss journey by creating a personalized plan that includes both nutrition and fitness. Schedule your appointment today and let PrimePet Rehabilitation help your furry friend become the best version of themselves.