Feeding the correct diet to your pet is a must for a long and healthy life. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in cats and dogs. In fact, the most recent research in Australia reports that 41% of cats and 32% of dogs are considered to be obese. An overweight pet is at risk from a whole range of problems including diabetes mellitus, heart disease, skin complaints, breathing difficulties and arthritis.

Food is important in our social landscape and it is important to us to include our pets in social gatherings. Slipping a piece of cheese or kabana from the party platter may seem like a kind act to your furry pal who sits next to you longingly, but have you ever thought of how human snacks equate to dogs in human terms? Here are some examples that you may find quite surprising

A cookie or a piece of cheese may seem like a little treat, but it’s like a whole meal for dogs:

1 cube of cheddar cheese = 1.5 chocolate bars

1 Tbsp Peanut Butter = 1 slice of pizza

1 Anzac Biscuit = 1 hotdog

1 slice buttered toast = 3 bags of potato chips

1 slice Hawaiian pizza = 4 hamburgers plus half bag of potato chips

A cup of milk or a piece of cheese may seem like a little, treat but it’s like a whole meal for cats

1 potato chip = ½ hamburger

1 cube of cheddar cheese = 2.5 hamburgers

1 cup of whole milk = 3 hamburgers

How do you know if your pet is overweight? Take this simple quiz...

• Do you have difficulty feeling your pets ribs?
• Is there little or no” waist “
• Do you give your pet table scraps or left overs?
• Is your pet reluctant to exercise?
• Does your pet seem to tire easily with activity?
• Does your pet waddle when it walks?
• Does your pet keep eating so long as there is food in the bowl?
• Have you been told your pet is overweight?
• Have you had to loosen your pets collar several times over the past year?

You may also notice some of these changes

• Ribs can't be felt without applying a fair amount of pressure
• Pet obsessed with food
• Pet is inactive most of the time
• Loss of an obvious waist (and you may even notice belly wobble when walking or running)
• You have had to loosen your pet's collar several times over the past year

So your pet could do with losing a few kilos. What now?

If your pet has not had a recent check-up, it is best to make an appointment with your vet for an examination. Whilst weight gain is an obvious explanation for some of the above changes, it can also indicate illness or disease. Before starting on any weight loss program we would like to confirm your pet is as healthy as they can be considering the extra kilograms they are carrying. We will then introduce you to our Weight Loss Clinic.

What happens at the Weight Loss Clinic?

One of our trained veterinary nurses will assess your pet and prepare a complimentary weight management program for your pet.

We will outline target weight goals, supply you with a nutritional plan and an exercise program. The program and your pet’s targets will be based on their age, breed, health and individual needs.

The use of high-quality veterinary diets means your pet will not miss out on any essential nutrients throughout their weight loss program.

You will be asked to visit us regularly for free follow up progress visits including weight check-ups to make sure your pet is on track and to discuss any concerns or queries you may have. Bookings are essential.