Obesity is one of the biggest health risks facing dogs in the UK. Research conducted by UK Pet Food, formerly known as the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, revealed that 74% of veterinary professionals surveyed believe that the prevalence of obesity had increased over the last five years. In fact, vets confirmed that 51% of dogs, 44% of cats and 29% of small mammals are overweight or obese.
Maintaining a healthy weight has important benefits for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs… pretty much all animals big or small. These include lowering the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease and more, as well as increasing their life expectancy.
When we think about weight management in pets, it’s easy to focus only on their exercise routine and how active they may or may not be. However, getting them out for daily exercise is only part of it. What they eat from one day to the next plays an equally important role.
We all know that the better our diet and the healthier our food, the higher the chance of us having a better quality of life. Well, the same goes for our four-legged friends!
Meet Monty
Monty is a nine-year-old golden labrador who became sluggish and less active. When he first came to the nurse-led weight clinic at Aldgate Vets, he had been referred by one of our vets. Monty weighed 42kg when he began his weight loss journey; this was a result of his high fat and high-calorie diet. He also enjoyed a tasty treat on a daily basis and those extra calories were taking their toll. He was getting slower and there was significant pressure on his joints, leaving him struggling to walk; so his owners decided to make a change.
In the past six months, Monty has lost over 6kg and he is already reaping the benefits.
Monty has also received treatment for his sore joints, including pain relief and a course of laser therapy. We recommended laser therapy and hydrotherapy at our Bridlington practice to help him exercise and lose unwanted kilos.
Monty is enjoying his weekly hydrotherapy sessions with Eleanor and needs no encouragement.
His owners also changed his diet and began a more active lifestyle at home (which he loves), enjoying daily walks.
Louise said: “His owners are incredible at keeping him on a tailored diet and exercise plan and the results have paid off massively. He is getting really close to his ideal weight, enjoying walks and playing like a puppy again!”
Monty’s Stats:
Chest: 73 cm, a loss of 9 cm.
Waist: 60 cm, a loss of 13 cm.
Neck 73cm, a loss of 14cm
Total cms lost = 36 cm
%weight loss so far = 14.1% body mass
BCS at start 7/9 now 5/9
If you suspect your pet is not themselves or not enjoying the activities they once did, please contact your vet so they can advise and support you. Our advice is to arrange a consultation before making significant changes to your pet’s routine and diet.
