Maintaining a healthy body weight is vital for any rehabilitation plan. Overweight pets are at higher risk for joint degeneration, diabetes, heart disease, and they often have slower recovery from injuries. Weight management in the rehab context is a multifaceted program combining exercise and lifestyle changes. In practice, we work with vets to create tailored plans.
Exercise is a cornerstone: active pets burn calories and build muscle, which in turn boosts metabolism. Land exercises may be challenging for obese pets, so we often employ hydrotherapy for weight loss. In water, a dog or cat can exercise vigorously with far less stress on hips and knees. For example, underwater treadmill sessions provide controlled aerobic workouts. The buoyancy of water supports body weight, allowing even very heavy pets to move more easily. After several sessions per week, many pets begin to slim down safely.
Additionally, rehab exercises strengthen muscles, so when combined with diet control, weight loss is more sustainable. For example, a pet doing sit-to-stand exercises and short treadmill walks will burn extra calories each week. Clinical experience shows that pets on a structured rehab exercise program will gain muscle tone and gradually lose fat. The pay-off is substantial: losing even 10% of body weight can significantly reduce joint pain in an arthritic pet.
Integrated plan: A successful program includes a nutritional component (veterinary diet or calorie management) along with the rehab exercises. Regular monitoring of body condition is key.
Refer your patient: If a dog or cat is obese, clear this with the owner. Then refer the pet to a rehab program. At Rehab 4 Pets (DFW), we have experience helping pets lose weight through customized rehab. By referring your patient for a combination of hydrotherapy and exercises (along with diet guidance), you can help them safely reach a healthier weight. Use our vet referral form to get started on a tailored weight-management rehab program.
Author:
Dr. Michele Broadhurst, DC, CCSP, FIAMA, CCRP, CAC, IVCA
DVM – Rehab 4 Pets (Clinical Director)