List of Contributors vii Chapter 1 Clinical Importance of Canine and Feline Obesity 3 P. Jane Armstrong and Angela L. Lusby Chapter 2 Diagnosing Obesity 23 Todd L. Towell Chapter 3 Preventing Obesity 47 Mark A. Brady Chapter 4 Nutritional Management of Obesity 87 Todd L. Towell and S. Dru Forrester Chapter 5 Pharmacotherapy for Management of Canine Obesity 131 Sharon Campbell Chapter 6 Therapeutic Exercises 149 Denis J. Marcellin-Little Chapter 7 Owner Education and Adherence 173 Kara Burns and Todd L. Towell Chapter 8 Implementing a Weight Management Program 201 Rebecca L. Remillard Index 227

Practical Weight Management in Dogs and Cats is a comprehensive, clinical reference for the veterinary health team, providing the necessary tools to successfully manage pet obesity.   Bringing together specialists in nutrition, internal medicine, critical care, and surgery and rehabilitation, the book provides an overview of prevention techniques, clinical management, and practical tips for implementing successful programs and educating owners.  Covering topics ranging from taking a nutritional history and body condition scoring to calculating food dosage and client communication tips, this book is a resource for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians to address the growing problem of pet obesity.   The book begins by explaining the clinical importance of obesity, then moves on to diagnosing and preventing obesity.  The heart of the book is devoted to managing body weight, with chapters on nutritional, pharmacotherapeutic, and exercise strategies, and two unique chapters cover owner compliance and wellness programs. Practical Weight Management in Dogs and Cats offers a collaborative approach to managing weight in pet dogs and cats. Key features Offers essential information for veterinarians and technicians alike to address pet obesity in the veterinary clinicTakes a thorough, clinically oriented approach to preventing and managing obesityAddresses the clinical importance, diagnosis, prevention and management of canine and feline obesityOffers information on taking a nutritional history, body condition scoring, calculating food dosage, types of food options, and communicating with clientsProvides specific, practical strategies for managing body weight in petsIncludes unique chapters on owner compliance and implementing a wellness program

“This book should be a go-to resource for veterinary health teams who take weight management of their patients seriously.”   (Journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 December 2012) “It is particularly valuable for providing practice-directed tips and pointers and addressing the real issues in trying to assess and manage overweight pets.”  (Doody’s, 26 April 2013) “Of course, this is combined with adequate dietary changes and is an excellent way to bond the clients to the practice.”  (Vet Nurses Today, 2012)