Slimmer of the Month

Slimmer of the Month Obesity is a major problem in our pet dogs, cats and rabbits, with around 40-50% of pets needing to lose weight. It's never easy, but with hard work on your pet's diet and exercise, a healthy weight can be achieved.

Fudge is a 10 year old terrier cross that had been overweight for much of his life. He came in to see me in October 2006 at a weight of 27.2kg, and we decided that it was time to try and significantly reduce his weight. We started off by doing a blood test to see if Fudge had an under active thyroid gland (which can cause weight gain), but this was all normal. The owner decided to reduce Fudges own food initially, but after a month there had been no weight loss.

Often when a dog is overweight we need to change the diet in order to make the dog lose weight. Fudge was started on Hills r/d dry and tinned food, and the owner was told exactly how much food to feed each day. His starting food allowance was 1 tin and 150g of dry food with no unauthorised snacks! Fudges exercise was also increased. We set Fudge a target weight of 20kg - so he needed to lose 7.2 kg - over a stone!

Fudge came back for a check up in 2 weeks and had lost 200g - a great start! Regular weight checks every 2 weeks allowed us to check that Fudge was making good progress and to adjust his food allowance if necessary. Fudge did very well most weeks (with only a few hiccups!), loosing around 100-200g most fortnights.

Now in January 2007 he weighs a much healthier 21.2kg, which means he has lost 6kg or 13 pounds! He is continuing with the r/d food, losing around 100g a week. He is much more active, able to go on longer walks, plays more and has more energy.

Losing the weight has reduced Fudge's risks of developing heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and reduced his anaesthetic risk if he ever needs surgery. By reducing Fudge's weight, his owner has increased Fudge's life expectancy and will have a healthier, more fun dog to live with.

Reducing your pet's weight isn't easy and requires will power (animals are very good at looking at you like you're starving them!). All the family need to be involved - no stray bits of toast at breakfast time! Regular weight checks ensure the weight loss is healthy, and the best thing is that weight checks are FREE OF CHARGE!

Next time you see the vet or nurse, ask them to check your pet's weight and condition score - could your pet benefit from weight loss?