Load shedding takes on a whole new meaning when it applies to your pet. Putting your pet on a diet can add years to its life; a recent study has shown that a dog at optimum weight can outlive an overweight dog by two years. Other studies have shown that excess weight increases a pet’s risk of developing heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and even cancer.
Advertisement
“It’s difficult for owners to be objective,” says Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Our research indicates that only 14 percent of cat owners and 13 percent of dog owners believe their pet to be overweight, but local vets say that up to 50 percent of animals they treat weigh more than is healthy.
“Most veterinary practices offer free weight checks, so take your pet in for a professional and objective assessment,” he advises. “If your pet is overweight the vet can rule out underlying medical conditions, and give advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes that will help your pet shed the excess kilos.”
Most veterinary practices in South Africa now run a tried and tested weight loss programme to help their super-size clients slim to better health.
The Hill’s Pet Slimmer Programme combines a therapeutic diet with regular weigh-ins and professional support. Furthermore all pets that reach their goal weight by 31 August are eligible to enter the 2008 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year competition, which could win their owners a luxury holiday in Mauritius (valued at R25 000).
Stitch Parsons, a Miniature Dachshund from Gauteng, is the reigning Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year, having beaten off weighty competition from the thousands of cats and dogs that enrolled on the Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme in 2007. Stitch lost over half her bodyweight slimming from an obese 15.7kg to a slender 7.6kg.
Stitch’s devoted owner, Mrs Carina Parsons, had not been too concerned by Stitch’s increasing girth at first. “There was more to love”, she said. But when veterinarian Dr Athol Johnson warned, “You are going to lose her,” Mrs Parsons realised she had to act and enrolled Stitch on the programme. Stitch went from eating 280g of pellets a day to 100g of a special food for obese dogs. Within eight months she had reached her optimum weight.
Since losing weight Stitch is “like the puppy I originally had. Before she used to sleep a lot but recently we spent time in the Drakensburg,” said Parsons, “and she raced around like a greyhound.”
Ask your vet for a free weight check and more details about the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Programme, or email info@hillspet.co.za or call the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Careline toll free on (0800) 228 783.
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?