Search Results for ‘weight’

Weight Loss is Confusing in the Pet World Too

In the world of diets and weight management, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. One diet says to eat only healthy fats, while another says bacon is fine. One weight loss regime focuses on healthy protein, while another has you fasting on green smoothies. Confusing? Yes! We are seeing the same confusion around why pets gain weight and what they should eat.

It’s great to keep your pet at a healthy weight and avoid obesity, which causes many health problems. But, how does a pet owner gauge a healthy weight and the right approach to keeping fur friends on the right dietary track? The team at OVRS is here to separate fact from myths.

With over half of the nation’s pet population being obese, many times weight loss in our dogs and cats can be a good thing. Sometimes, though, when a pet’s weight loss is sudden or unexplained, it can be a sign that something is wrong. This type of weight loss should never be ignored and is important to have checked out right away.

What To Do If Your Pet Has Lost Weight

If you are noticing that your pet is looking a little trimmer than usual, it is important to think about any changes that may be affecting his or her calorie intake and expenditure.

A change in your pet’s diet or activity level might easily explain weight loss. If this is the case, assess whether the weight loss was necessary or whether you need to make changes to allow for weight gain. If you are not sure, consult with your veterinarian. Continue…

Just like people, dogs benefit from regular exercise to stay strong, mobile, and healthy. Beyond daily walks, incorporating targeted exercises into your dog’s routine can help build muscle, support joint health, and even prevent injuries over time.

Whether you have an energetic young dog or a slowing senior, the right exercises can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life.

When your dog is dealing with joint pain—whether from arthritis, injury, or age—it can be difficult to know how much exercise is too much. You want to keep them active, but you also don’t want to make their discomfort worse.

Thankfully, low-impact exercise for dogs with joint pain issues can help them stay mobile, maintain muscle strength, and even reduce stiffness—without putting excessive strain on their joints.

When a pet is diagnosed with heart disease, nutrition becomes an essential part of their care. The right diet can help manage symptoms, support heart function, and improve overall quality of life.

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, understanding what nutrients matter most can help pet owners make informed decisions alongside their veterinary team.

Service dogs are far more than companions — they are highly trained working partners and, for many people, true lifelines. From guiding individuals with visual impairments to alerting handlers to seizures, blood sugar changes, or panic attacks, these dogs perform complex tasks that support independence, safety, and quality of life every day.

Because they are constantly on duty, the medical needs of service dogs differ significantly from those of typical household pets. Maintaining their health isn’t just about comfort — it’s essential to their ability to perform lifesaving work. Here’s how medical care for service dogs differs from that of pets.

We love our pets because of their hearts. Their never-ending capacity for love makes it a little easier to live this life. What happens, though, when love becomes an emergency? 

Understanding common heart emergencies in pets can help you ensure your pets receive the care they need, when they need it.

Cold weather can be especially tough on pets with arthritis. As temperatures drop, many dogs and cats become stiffer, slower to rise, and less interested in activity. You may notice hesitation on stairs, difficulty jumping, or a reluctance to go outside at all.

While winter can worsen joint discomfort, the season doesn’t have to mean months of pain or inactivity. With the right combination of warmth, movement, environmental support, and medical care, you can help manage winter arthritis pain in dogs and cats.

Most pet parents know that annual wellness exams and preventive care are important—and they truly are. But did you know that the small choices you make every day can have an even bigger impact on your pet’s long-term health?

Simple daily habits support your pet’s immune system, mobility, digestion, dental health, and mental well-being. Over time, these routines can add up to fewer illnesses, better quality of life, and more happy years together.

A few daily habits for pet health that can make a meaningful difference for your dog or cat.

Seasonal changes affect us (and our pets) more than we might realize. Did you know that the difference in winter light can impact your pet’s behavior? If your pet is not getting enough light, he or she might start feeling (and acting) differently. This guide will help you understand how shorter winter days can affect your pet’s behavior and mood.