Max’s Corner
Greetings from Pets on Broadway “Fitness Club”. 
Yes, it seems I’ve gained a few pounds during the winter months, so they have me on a diet... and I thought it was just fur!
Overweight is more than esthetics; it can increase the risk to health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory distress and lower urinary tract diseases. Carrying that extra weight also takes a toll on your pet’s joints.
The most common cause for weight gain is overeating. Our nutritional needs vary according to our life stage. As we age, our metabolism slows down, so even eating the same kind of food and the same amounts we are used to will end up expanding our waistline. And don’t forget to count the treats! Those are added calories to our diets. Weight gain can also be caused by diseases, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease.
You should consult your vet before putting your cat on a diet. Losing weight too quickly can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which is potentially deadly. No, we are not candidates for The Biggest Loser! If your cat has free access to food, try giving him several small portions of food throughout the day. Sometimes we eat because of boredom, so increasing our activity with a little more exercise (playing time) is a good idea... and we love it!
You can try substituting a portion of your dog’s meal with green beans. There are also great commercial diets lower in calories, specifically formulated to help pets feel full while losing weight. Introduce these changes in our diets progressively, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over a 7-day period, so we don’t get digestive issues (we have a sensitive gastrointestinal system). Above all, avoid table scraps, be consistent, and be patient!
