Weight Management

The health of many of the animals we see, for both routine pet health checks and illnesses, would benefit from a weight management program. Like people, overweight or obese animals are at a higher risk of developing many common diseases such as respiratory problems, heart disease, liver disease and mobility problems with osteoarthritis.

 

The aim

The aim of a weight loss program is to achieve a healthy weight for your pet without compromising their health or quality of life. Our staff can show you pictures of different body conditions, pointing out where your pet is now and where we would like it to be.

Your lifestyle is also an important consideration in tailoring a management program that considers the time you have available. Staying motivated can often be hard, especially if the kilos are coming off very slowly. Always feel free to call in for regular weigh-ins or even just encouragement without your animal.

The basic principles for weight loss in animals are the same as for humans – decrease food intake and increase exercise.

Decreasing food intake

There are 2 ways this can be achieved:

1. Continue the same diet that the animal is on but feed smaller amounts. It is best to discuss with one of our staff members how much to reduce the food intake for an individual animal. Reducing to about 2/3rds of the current intake is usually a good place to start.
2. Change the diet to a lower energy diet. There are many different commercial weight management foods available that are excellent complete diets and are easy to feed. Our staff can advise you of the amount that your animal should be receiving. Many people wish to use this food, but combine it with some fresh food. As long as the amount of commercial food given is reduced this combination is good. Foods such as meat with minimal fat, vegetables and rice are the best. Raw bones are great for their teeth and can be added to the diet.

These diets will need to be modified as progress is made. Remember that all those snacks and treats do count!!

Increasing exercise

The amount of exercise you can give your pet is usually dependant on the time you have available and the animal's health.

DOGS: the usual dog things like walks, runs and playing with balls and toys are best. Whatever your dog likes, as long as it is moving!!

CATS: can be harder considering their sedentary nature. Start young with any new cats to get them chasing balls and playing with toys. Encourage cats to go outside if possible. In single cat households, getting another cat can inspire them to play.

Finally, GOOD LUCK and call us any time if you need help or advice.