Feeding the correct diet to you pet is a must for a long and healthy life. Our weight loss clinic can provide you with professional advice regarding nutrition. Obesity can cause many health problems for cats and dogs. If you are concerned that your pet is overweight, come into the clinic and our weight loss consultant can assess your pet and design a weight loss program that will suit your pet.

Like people, overweight pets are at risk for health problems and do not generally live as long as pets that are trim. In addition to being at a greater risk for liver disease and diabetes mellitus, overweight pets show greater incidence of arthritis, skin problems and heart disease.

 

It is evident from the above points that the health, ability to play, even to breathe, is diminished in overweight pets. They may become more irritable due to being hot, in pain, or simply uncomfortable. Overweight pets often die at a younger age than those maintained at an optimum weight.

By maintaining your pet at a healthy weight, you can help to reduce the risks associated with obesity and help your pet have a fuller, more energetic and longer life.

To determine if your pet is overweight, run your hand along its side. If you can not feel its ribs without applying a reasonable amount of pressure, or your pet does not have a waist, you’ve picked the right time to start on a weight reduction program.

If your pet has not been in to see us recently, the first step is to make an appointment to see one of our vets for a check up. While simple weight gain through diet and limited exercise is an obvious explanation for obesity in pets, it can also be an indicator for underlying disease or illness. Before you start your pet on a weight loss program, we need to verify that your pet is in good enough health to be able to cope with the requirements.

Once one of our vets has given the all clear, we will introduce you to out weight loss plan.

Our trained vet nurse will discuss your pet's eating and exercise habits with you, and determine an appropriate weight management program. This service is free of charge.

This program includes target weight goals, nutritional information and an exercise plan. Also provided is a Hill's Petfit fitness planner which includes a progress tracker, a nutritional plan and exercise tips. The goals for the program are based on your pets age, health status, breed and also their individual needs.

You will also need to make regular visits for weigh ins to make sure your pets weight loss is on track and to discuss how the program is working for you and your pet.

As a member of our Weight Loss Clinic, you will also have access to Hill's free online PetFit program which includes:
* an interactive online progress tracker that can be updated at the clinic and viewed by you at home.
* rewards gifts for reaching weight loss milestones.
* entry into the national Pet Slimmer of the Year competition.
* a place to keep your before and after photos.