Helping overweight pets: Donte’s Den shares advice on ABC7

MYAKKA CITY, Fla. (WWSB) - Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight starts with a conversation with your veterinarian.That was the message from Marsha Panuce of Donte’s Den during ABC7’s 1 p.m. show. As part of October’s National Pet Obesity Awareness Month, she discussed weight concerns and encouraged owners to seek guidance tailored to their pets.Panuce said owners should ask their veterinarian what their dog’s ideal weight should be and work together on a plan to reach it. That conversation can include food choices, portion sizes and a dog’s changing needs as it ages.She also reminded viewers to consider the treats they give throughout the day. Breaking treats into smaller pieces is one way to offer a reward while giving less.Her central message: Maintaining a healthy weight is about helping pets feel their best.“My best advice to you would be go to your veterinarian,” Panuce said. “Ask them, what should the ideal weight of my pet be?”