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 nurses 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. If your pet has problems with stiffness or lameness check with the vet before increasing exercise.

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?

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.