|
Obesity is such a serious problem in both cats and dogs
in the Untied Kingdom that the RSPCA and other leading organisations are looking
into ways of raising public awareness. Being overweight is likely to
have a huge impact on your pet's longevity so it is vital to seek
professional help in order to reduce your pet's weight.
At the Beeches Veterinary Centre we run free
weight clinics because we recognise the importance of supporting
and encouraging you in helping your pet loose weight.
During the initial visit your per's weight is measured on our
walk on scales and a diet plan agreed. Any change to your pet's diet
must be made gradually and agreed amounts of food should be given. Often
there are hidden calories in treats which can be adding to the carbohydrates
being consumed. It doesn't mean treats cannot be given, it just means
offering different foods as a treat e.g. apple, pear, carrot, rice cake (with no
added salt) or keeping back some of the daily ration to be given as a treat
during the day. Client compliance is vital if success is to be seen in
terms of kilo grams lost.
Just feeding less of a normal diet is not sufficient in an
'obese' animal. The obesity diet contains a higher protein % and a lower %
of carbohydrate and fat. Protein takes longer to digest so your pet is
less likely to feel hungry and the reduced carbohydrates and fat will encourage weight
loss.
Sticking rigidly to the agreed plan is vital as the amount of
food is worked out in relation to your pets body score.
Slimmer's of the Month 2008
- click here
Slimmer's of the month 2009 -
click here
Slimmer's of the month 2010 -
click here
Case Studies
Sibelius has been over weight for some
time. He needs to have dental work which involves a general anaesthetic
and will need to be under 8 kilo grams before he is considered fit enough to be
given one.
In December 2006 he was 9.4kg
Below a slimmer Sibelius now weighs 8.2kg and is continuing
with the Royal Canin Obesity Diet Slim Fit Program
Finbar weighed
40.2kg on his initial visit to the weight clinic in March 2008.
A target weight of 36 kg was agreed and he was prescribed Royal
Canin Obesity Diet His owner introduced the diet
gradually by mixing it with his normal daily food until after several days, Finbar was being given just the
obesity diet.
 Finbar is beginning to loose weight
July 2008 Finbar now has a waist and has reached his target weight of
33.4kg
Finbar in now on a maintenance diet designed specifically for
neutered dogs.
We all know that it is easier to put weight on than to loose it
so it is important to realise that it may take anything from 6
to 18 months for your pet to reach their ideal weight
Toby weighed 26.2kg on his initial visit in March 2008. A
target weight of 23kg was agreed and he was put on Royal Canin
Obesity Diet.
In August 2008 Toby weighed in at 22.6kg. Having
maintained this weight for several weeks he is now going to go
onto Royal Canin Neutered and Osteo Adult diet. His owners
are delighted with his new found energy and being fitter will
enable Toby to exercise more easily and help to keep his weight
down too.
With some patients, weight loss is measured by
literally measuring the neck, chest and abdomen to record the
centimetres lost. Jada lost 2.4kg in weight over two
months and 3cm off his waist and 4.5cm around his neck.
 
Back to top of page
Slimmer's of the Month 2008
- click here
Slimmer's of the month 2009 -
click here
Slimmer's of the month 2010 -
click here
|
