Stocky? Well covered? Or
just plain Fat!
More than half of the pets we see
over 3 years old are overweight, with a worrying number being clinically
obese (more than 15% above their ideal bodyweight – that’s 5kg overweight
for a Labrador but only 600g of spare tyre for a cat!) It’s not just the
people in Britain who are getting fatter!
Being overweight reduces a pet’s enjoyment of life and the owner’s
enjoyment of their pet.Excess fat puts more strain on bones and joints,
the heart and lungs and all internal organs. Obese pets are at increased
risk of several serious and debilitating diseases including diabetes,
arthritis and liver disease.
So how fat is too fat? Healthy
pets should have ribs that can be felt easily and a “waist” behind their
ribcage. If Fluffy/Fido is already in danger of breaking the scales –
act now! Fat pets invariably get fatter unless action is taken.
1. WEIGHT CHECK - Phone
01254 53622 and ask for a nurse appointment (a small charge applies).
Our nurses have lots of experience of slimming overweight
pets and can advise you on the best diet for your pet and how to overcome
your pets objections to a new way of feeding.
2.
WORK OUT THE "TARGET WEIGHT" Our nurse will work out the
correct target weight to aim for then the diet can begin.
3.
FEED QUALITY LOW CALORIE DIETS THAT REALLY WORK
Our quality low calorie diets are formulated to fill your pet’s tummy
without fattening him up and ensure that he doesn’t miss out on any
important nutrients whilst he is dieting. (N.B. Any
diet that's described as "Light" will not reduce weight)
4. INCREASE YOUR PET'S ACTIVITY
Increasing your pet’s activity levels will help to burn off excess calories.
(coming soon - Why not check out our walkies and pet activities
sections for some more ideas?)
If your pet has problems with stiffness or lameness check with the vet
before increasing exercise.
5. MORE SLIMMING TIPS
Find out who's cheating. Most overweight pets have the big brown eyes
routine to BAFTA level and ALL the family will have to be persuaded to stick
to the diet – if someone in your house cheats why not make them bring your
pet to his next weigh in?
Don't use a "Light" diet. Don't expect your pet to lose weight on
a "Light" diet -all they do is stop weight rising. You need to use a real
slimming food like Hills r/d.
Just reducing your pet's normal food intake will not work! What it does do
is lower your pet's metabolic rate
which then stops fat being used up!!
Crash diets are as unlikely to work in animals as in humans. Think
weight watchers rather than the cabbage soup diet!!
6. NEW! We now have simple
medications to be used in addition to low calorie diet and increased
exercise that reduce a pet's appetite and make long-term slimming much more
successful. Ask about Slentrol and Yarvitan.
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