2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Countryside Animal Hospital

2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »

Office Hours

Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Call Now!

502-222-4663

- Now accepting new patients
- Same day appointments

Pet Obesity

We are constantly being told that obesity levels are increasing and we should act now to ensure our long term health. However this problem does not just affect humans. A shocking statistic from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention states that an estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese.
(Source: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 2015)

Just like humans, pets who are overweight are at increased risk of a number of health problems including but not limited to:

  • Cranial cruciate ligament injury
  • Decreased life expectancy by up to 2.5 years
  • Heart and respiratory disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Varying forms of cancer

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

There are several methods that you can use to determine if your pet may be overweight or obese. These are simple physical checks that you can do in your own home.

Dogs and cats should be hourglass shaped with a clear taper at their waist. Overweight animals do not have this taper and appear more oval or egg shaped.

In a pet of a healthy weight you should be able to feel, but not see, their ribs. Visible ribs are indicative of an underweight animal. If you place your hands on either side of your pets chest and still cannot see their ribs then they are very likely to be overweight.

Animals do not usually reach major levels of obesity until they are at least 7 years old, but when they do they have noticeably large amounts of hip and neck fat, and a very large and round abdomen.

Veterinarians are also able to determine your pets’ Body Fat Index by taking a number of different measurements, and then will be able to advise you if it is within healthy parameters.

If you are at all concerned about the weight of your pet then contact your veterinarian to make an appointment to determine if your pet would benefit from a specifically tailored weight loss program.

Treatment

Just like their human friends, the key to combating obesity in pets is to decrease the number of calories being eaten and increase the amount of exercise taken. Many guidelines suggest that food is automatically reduced by 25%, however we recommend that you speak to your veterinarian who will consider your pets breed, age and general health before recommending drastic changes to their diet or lifestyle.

Your veterinarian will undertake regular monitoring of your pet during any tailored weight loss program to ensure that weight loss is steady and achieved healthily. They will also advise changes to the program if any aspects are not working as they should. Activity levels can also be monitored and increased in line with your pets’ weight loss and improving fitness.

Weight Loss Tips

  • Avoid giving your pets snacks from the dinner table – all those little nibbles quickly mount up to a lot of extra calories.
  • Limit treats to several times a week. The calories given as treats must be deducted from the total daily recommended calories your pet is given.
  • Follow the feeding instructions and ensure that your pet is eating the right amount of food for their current stage of life.
  • You may want to consider how many times per day you feed your pet. Sometimes splitting larger portions into smaller, more regular meals will help keep your pet feeling full and satisfied.
  • When it comes to exercise with your pet get into a routine. Whether it’s going for walks or playing with them, try and do it at the same time every day. This way your pet knows what to expect and it quickly becomes a habit for both of you!

Schedule your appointment today!

Other Services

Pet owners need real solutions in improving the health of their four-legged friends. Pets are now living longer, and as they do, pets are becoming…

Our pets are a part of our family, and every responsible owner wants to ensure that their pets are in the very best of health. The majority of conditions that animals are susceptible to have…

New Patients Receive $25 OFF First Visit

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Location Info

Building Front La Grange KY Veterinarian
Countryside Animal Hospital
2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »
Office Hours
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Contact

Call Now!

502-222-4663

Our Team

Reviews

4.7
Based on 402 reviews
P M.
P M.
On vacation and my pup got bit by something, causing a lump and swelling. Office scheduled me quickly (next morning). Vet was kind and gentle with my... little girl. Gave her a shot of cortisone that helped. Office Staff was extremely friendly. Pricing was a bit higher than our usual vet, but much more reasonable than typical animal hospitals @$125. Would definitely go again for treatment if needed.read more
Glisseal !
Glisseal !
Very expensive. Nice people but they insist that every dog needs certain things and you know very well none of your previous dogs never needed it.... Location is very convient.read more
Robert O.
Robert O.
Everyone there is very helpful, friendly, and professional. I believe you are very thorough in the care you give SanDee. The only drawback is this... care is a bit expensive.read more
Dona K.
Dona K.
Dr Rainey and staff are wonderful. My dog has had a recurrent ear infection, I have been to numerous vets and for the first time in a few years my... dog is infection free. Thank you Countryside!!!read more
Cory C.
Cory C.
The team here is nothing short of amazing. They are caring, professional, courteous, and take pride in what they do. They are great with our... animals, and we won't take them anywhere else. So glad we found Countryside.read more
Larry V.
Larry V.
We took our new Barbet puppy for his first Veterinarian visit this week, which was awesome. The staff was friendly, and Dr. Rainey shared much good... information about puppy health. It has a small-town country feel, and I love that!! I look forward to having them care for my new Barbet, Moses, for a long time. Thanks to everyone at Countryside for making us feel comfortable.read more
Mary Jo D.
Mary Jo D.
My dog is very anxious. The staff did well with him and our visit went better than I expected. Dr. Rainey and the rest of the staff are very kind and... take the time to listen to any concerns.read more
Chaz F.
Chaz F.
The staff at Countryside are so kind and take excellent care of our pets! They truly go above and beyond to make sure our pets are comfortable during... visits and help answer any questions we have.read more
Valerie K.
Valerie K.
Our lab was attacked by a pit at Morgan Park. 3" laceration, torn ACL. We went unscheduled to Dr Rainey. They took us right in. He made a rapid... accessment. Printed out details and estimate of what he may have to do. We agreed with his judgement left our lab over nite. Next day Doc calls. "Looks like minor surgery on the wound, pain pills and antibiotic, he should be fine." He was a new dog to us! Not only was Doc Rainey accurate with his diagnosis but he did exactly what he said he would do and charged exactly what he estimated it to be. So refreshing to have such an experienced vet with integrity. Great caring staff as well, thank you! Brian, Val & Lakerread more
Rosemary G.
Rosemary G.
Dr. Rainey has correctly diagnosed our cat, Diva, with two different conditions this year alone. He has given Diva the proper treatment and she's... responded very well. We are so fortunate that he is able to be Divas doctor, and the staff there has treated her so well. We won't go anywhere else.read more
Barbara G.
Barbara G.
We took our GS in for a second opinion and got more information than ever before. Dr Rainey gave us some herbal supplements along with a pain med... and it had worked wonders on our girl. She’s acting like her playful self again.read more
Rhonda F.
Rhonda F.
Rhonda FullerWe sought out a good animal vet and staff due to the severe abuse from Covid and the restrictions when we lost our last dog due to vet... clinic abuse. We prayed feverently and found Countryside Animal Hospital. We realize the vet does not perform major surgeries and this has been very important to us due to the ongoing Covid restrictions from other vet offices. We like the smaller clinic environment, and the assistant Amy is so good with our dogs. We appreciate Dr. Rainey and his care for our dogs.read more
Cassandra P.
Cassandra P.
Dr. Rainey and his staff are always so nice and sweet. Very caring and they treat my fur babies like there own. Highly Recommend them. You can't... find any better vet than them. I lost my Companion of 13 years (Snuggles) and they were so supportive and sent there sympathy. ❤️ I truly can't put there practice into words. Absolutely love this Place and all the Staffread more
Lola H.
Lola H.
I have been bringing my baby to Dr. Rainey since she was 8 weeks old. She still has a tiny bit of anxiety when she gets back to the exam room but the... staff and Dr. Rainey are great with her. She leaves there just as happy as when she arrived. I feel his prices are fair and affordable and Dr. Rainey and his staff have always been friendly and inviting every time we have come in.read more
Patricia O.
Patricia O.
Dr. Rainey is wonderful!He is quality over quantity and was very present at our consultation for our dog's health.He explained what he would be... doing, why he had to do it, and how he came to the conclusions.He educated us so that we didn't require blind faith but we understood the what's, the why's, the when's and the how's.He gave clear instructions with a calm bedside manner.I thought the costs were a bit pricey but about the same as any other vet.He didn't try to upsale us on unnecessary things.This visit was thumbs up!A+read more
Renee B.
Renee B.
I brought my dog for acupuncture treatments Everyone there is very nice and friendly . Dr Rainey takes time to explain things in detail. He was... even able to catch a kidney issue that we had no idea she had.read more
candice L.
candice L.
We just moved to the area and hadn't established care with a vet yet. My English Bulldog had an urgent need to be seen and I brought her in to... Countryside Animal Hospital. Dr. Rainey was quick to assess that she needed emergent care at a vet hospital and recommended the best facility that could meet her needs quickly. Once released I took her back to help manage the chronic condition she was diagnosed with and couldn't be happier with his expertise! She is now doing well and his recommendations solved an issue that we didn't realize she had for years. I highly recommend Countryside Animal Hospital!read more
Robin C.
Robin C.
Wonderful service, very acknowledgeable and kind to my animals. Dr Rainey is a great veterinarian and I trust him with my animals. He is now my... veterinarianread more
Joel W.
Joel W.
These guys are by far the best vet I have been to in my 30 years of having pets… they are EXTREMELY accommodating, and very reasonably priced… I... would DEFINITELY recommend them to anyone looking for a vet!!!read more
C P
C P
Dr Rainey and staff are incredible! The best veterinarian clinic that I’ve ever frequented.I have a deep respect and appreciation for Dr Rainey and... the way that he approaches my pet’s health with compassion, merging East and West philosophies, delivering premium care for my Marley, that’s individualized and specific to his healthcare needs.It’s more than a clinic, it’s a hospital staffed with people who genuinely love and care for animals. Dr Rainey performed extensive surgery on my dog and it’s amazing how quickly Marley is healing and recovering even with other comorbities.Everyone at the office has been so kind and offered me a level of peace even through some difficult decision-making regarding my dog’s care. Their medical expertise is top notch. Honestly, I’ve never been to a vet that I trusted more.So if you’re looking for a holistic approach to your pet’s healthcare needs, you’ve found the right place. I am beyond grateful that I found them.The drive from Louisville is nothing compared to the level of peace they will offer you.They’re just wonderful. ❤️Contessa Pantojaread more
mary W.
mary W.
Very reasonable surgical prices, kind compatonate staff. Truly cares about my senior dogs health and wellbeing! Just moved here from out of state... this is for sure my new vet!read more
Melissa M.
Melissa M.
My kitten Martica is my emotional support cat and is very dear to me. He is 11mo. Old. Country side animal hospital has taken care of him for me all... his lil life. Very specific though he has been treated on 2 seperate occasion for illnesses once for a double severe ear infection..Dr. Rainey aka The Magic Man had him feeling better and healed in no time flat and helped us eliminate his allergen. Also more serious he was also treated for aspirations pneumonia w complications from meditation he recieved at blue pearl hospital after hours treatment Dr.Rainey kept him overnight gave him fluids and ran every necessary test gave him shots he could tolerate very well fixed his diet and saved Marticas life. He also provides safe cat treats cat toothpaste and brush and his shampoo right in the office for easy convenience. Magic Man aka Dr. Rainey and his staff..ms. Candy. Ms. Sophia and everyone there are the greatest! I would NEVER take my Martica anywhere but there i learned the hard way..but Dr.Rainey saved the day as always!!read more
Ashley W.
Ashley W.
Bailey loves her new diet! It has stopped her stomach issues and she is thinner and full of life! She eats salmon, green beans and sweet potatoes!!... This makes sense now more than ever with everything I have seen with dogs sharing similar dna to humans.read more
Heather D.
Heather D.
Dr. Rainey saved my kitty Bandit. No other vet has been as caring, attentive or professional and I've taken him to SIX vets in town. Most wouldn't... help him, tried to put him to sleep!!I will never go anywhere else with my fur babies Dr. Rainey is literally the best vet in the greater Louisville area. I'm always in and out on time as well and the prices are very affordable, especially because he accepts Care Credit. Thank you Dr. Rainey and his nice staff. LT Dan Bandit is able to eat and have his life back thanks to you!!!!!read more
Christina G
Christina G
We are so thankful to Dr. Rainey and the care his giving to our baby Jasper. We found out he had kidney failure and Dr. Rainey is doing everything so... we can keep him around a little bit longer. He and his team are wonderful and really care about our fur babies! We are thankful for the care he's given both our boys Mr. Lu and Jasper!read more
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