Weight management clinics and offers
June 7, 2023
[CE_Social_Sharing]Obesity is one of the most common nutritional disorders in our pets today. Approximately 6 in 10 cats and dogs are overweight.
Just as in humans, weight gain most commonly occurs when there is an excess calorie intake that does not match the animal’s level of physical activity. Many things can contribute to weight gain including age, mobility, food type, and neuter status. It is important to recognise that although these factors increase the risk of weight gain, it is avoidable as long as we are aware of the presence of these risks.
What are the risks to my pet if they are overweight?
Animals who are overweight have a reduced life-expectancy and will have an increased risk of the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Breathing difficulties and snoring
- Heat stress
- Pancreatitis
Many other significant conditions can be exacerbated by excess body weight, and animals that are overweight will have a significantly increased anaesthetic risk no matter what surgery they require.
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
Hopefully you will have already made you initial free weight clinic appointment with one of our nursing team. If you haven’t please do so as soon as possible. We have lots of experience with weight management are are here to give you as much advice and support as possible.
What can I do to prepare for the appointment?
- With the aid of our nurses we hope that you will soon start to see visible signs of weight loss in your pet. To do this we to start off on the correct foot. Please follow the next few steps so that your first appointment is effective as possible.
- Talk to all family members and other carers of your pet. You need to explain to them for health reasons your pet will begin a weight loss program. If everyone is on board at the start it should avoid frustration and confusion.
- Please complete a food diary for your pet for at least one week. Absolutely everything needs recording, from their normal daily meal, to every last table scrap or treat that they get given. Please be as honest as possible, as having a completely accurate record makes it easier for our Nurses to formulate a diet plan for your pet. Ensure you bring this with you to your appointment.
- Please either provide photos or bring your pet’s food packaging in with you to the appointment. Every food is formulated differently and the information on the back of the packet provides us with the nutritional information we need to devise a correct feed guide for your pet.
What happens at the initial consultation?
We do ask that you bring your pet along to all weight clinics.
During the free initial weight clinic:
- Your pet will be weighed and have various body measurements taken and recorded.
- The nurse will take several photographs of your dog for the records.
- The nurse will then spend time discussing your pet’s food diary and daily exercise regime with you.
- We will then discuss with you various options regarding diet and treats to allow us to tailor an individual and realistic diet and exercise plan for your pet.
- We will also provide your pet with their own weight management booklet to help support you through their weight loss experience.
At the end of the consultation our aim is to have helped you formulate a plan for your pets weight loss, diet changes, and exercise regime, we will also arrange an appointment for your pets next check.