Dropping a pound or two isn't necessarily a bad thing,
especially if your pet's packing a few extra. But weight loss
should be controlled, gradual and supervised by your
veterinarian. Sudden, unexpected weight loss usually signals an
underlying health problem. Cats, in particular, need frequent
weight monitoring to prevent hepatic lipidosis, a debilitating
liver disease. Some pets lose weight in the heat of summer when
rising temperatures curb their appetite. At the other extreme,
you'll find some pets losing weight during frigid weather
because they're burning more energy while trying to keep warm.
Other common causes of weight loss include stress and lactation.
Healthy boarded pets may shed some pounds because of diet
changes or the stress of a new environment, and nursing mothers
burn more calories as their bodies produce milk. Although
normal, these responses to environmental or lifestyle changes
mean your pet uses and needs, more calories to meet increased
energy requirements. Diet plays a crucial role i