If your pet is overweight, it can have huge consequences on their health. Obesity is a debilitating disease which can have a major impact on your pet’s health, both now and in the future, and ultimately on the length of their life. A study, performed by Waltham Pet Nutrition in 2018, showed that there is a direct correlation between obesity and a reduced lifespan of up to 2.5 years, dependant on breed.
Obesity also correlates to increased risk of a multitude of diseases. These include diabetes, fatty liver disease, orthopaedic problems, skin disease, and urinary tract disease. It is also linked to increased risk of neoplasia (tumours) and is classed as the most prevalent form of malnutrition in pets presented to a practice. These conditions can be costly to treat and can lead to a decreased quality of life.
We primarily feed our pets for nutrition but most of us also indulge them further with treats and the odd extra meal. This can be for a variety of reasons including combatting boredom, for training purposes and ultimately ‘giving in’ for a quieter life but over 59% of UK dogs and 40% of cats are now overweight. Seeing them regularly can often make it difficult for us to recognise the weight gain and the impact it has on them day to day.
The good news is that weight loss is achievable with dedication and consistency and the benefits seen almost immediately. We can help guide you through your pet’s weight loss journey in our specialist weight management clinic. We can offer advice on food type and the amount to give and advise on exercise regimes to ensure that they lose weight in a healthy and sustainable fashion. Our program is run in 6-month blocks, with regular visits tailored to your pet’s needs and unlimited support within that timeframe. You will be assigned a specific RVN, or student VN, throughout the 6 months (where possible) to give you continuity, and a friendly and familiar face throughout. The program is for both cats and dogs, whether they have a little, or lots of, weight to lose. Any weight loss can make a big difference to their ongoing quality of life.
Cost: £50 (reduced to £25 if your pet is enrolled on our Pet Health Plan)
Image Credit: Fat Cat by Dan Perry on Flickr