Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in animals. Recent studies have estimated that approximately 40 percent of the UK’s pet population is either overweight or obese. The main reason for this is overeating and lack of exercise, however in some rare cases it can be genetic.
We would like to invite you to our FREE nurse led clinics at any of our surgeries where we will work with you to develop a tailored weight loss plan suitable for your pet and will be on hand to offer you our expert advice and support during this process.
Recognising the need for weight management
Weight loss in pets can be an extremely difficult thing to achieve on your own. It is not just about making changes to their diet to achieve their target weight but behavioural modifications are also required, along with exercise and lifestyle changes.
Factors that make obesity more likely in pets are:
- Breed - certain breeds have a higher risk.
- Age - the risk increases with age.
- Neuter status - neutered dogs are more at risk.
- Sex - apart from older dogs, obesity is reported to be more common in females.
Obesity is linked with the following medical conditions:
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Respiratory Disease
- Skin Fold Infections
The following signs may indicate the need for an appointment:
- Your pet is struggling to get up or showing stiffness or weakness.
- They are visibly overweight.
- There is a reluctance to play or less enthusiasm to get moving.
- Slowing down on walks.
- Dull skin and coat condition.
- Behavioural problems.
The aims of our nursing clinics are to promote weight loss by:
- Supplying adequate nutrients, within a reduced-calorie diet.
- Promote gradual weight loss, while maintaining a lean body mass as much as possible.
- Increasing conversion of stored fat to energy.
- Education on potential behaviour traits that need to be altered.
Veterinary Nurses will perform an examination of your pet and complete the following:
- Full history of current feeding plan and exercise plan.
- Perform a body condition score.
- Take measurements of chest, waist and neck.
- Set a target weight.
- Create a feeding plan – to include calculation of how much to feed per day.
- Calculate safe weight loss throughout the clinics.
- Calculate how many weeks it should take for your pet to achieve target weight.
- Create an exercise plan.
- Take photos of your pet’s progress.
- Provide an information booklet which includes diagrams and tips on weight loss.
After your pet has achieved their target weight:
- Weight Management Clinics are still recommended once the target weight has been reached, although the appointments do not need to be as frequent.
- Nutritional assessment and Body Condition Scoring is vitally important to monitor, ensuring no further weight loss or weight gain occurs.
- Veterinary Nurses will provide continued support and discuss if any diet or lifestyle changes still need to be made.
