It is at this time of the year that we breathe a sigh and make what feels like a never-ending list of New Years resolutions.  Mostly we do it with the aim of getting in shape, whether a lifestyle makeover or going down a few dress sizes.

Of course, keeping our pets healthy and trim is just as important, as they can be prone to many of the same health problems. Weight gain in particular can put extra stress on hearts and joints and increase the risk of some diseases.

Cat, one of our registered nurses runs weight clinics for our patients who are trying to lose a few pounds. She can give advice on target weights, diets and ways to encourage our pets to exercise more. Last year two of Cat’s patients were the runners up for the Royal Canin Weigh-in Club 2013. Have a look at their stories below…

Lottie!

Lottie before weight loss

‘Ten year old Lottie has many health issues, heart disease, Syringomyelia and more recently blindness. In addition to all of this Lottie was extremely overweight, and try as I may, I just could not get her weight down. We were advised by Cat at Hollybank Veterinary Centre to try her on the Royal Canin weight loss programme and with the professional guidance and support, and lots of encouragement from Cat, my lovely Lottie is now like a different dog and enjoying life to the full again.’

Lottie after weight loss

Sooty!

Sooty before weight loss

‘Sooty had a difficult start in life. She was a stray living on our street with four kittens and nowhere to call home. Although proficient at begging and hunting, Sooty was underweight. We took pity on the little black stray, gained her trust with tidbits and adopted her. Soon she was living happily in our house. It wasn’t quite a happy ending though as whilst we were on holiday Sooty escaped from the person looking after her. She embarked on a two month, eighteen mile trek across Cheshire before being handed in to the RSPCA and identified by her microchip. We were amazed and delighted to have her back but very quickly her weight spiraled out of control as we naively fed her cheap supermarket food. On a routine visit to our local vets, Hollybank in Sandiway, they suggested she may benefit from a monitored diet programme. Sooty switched to Royal Canin which she loved right away. The weight fell off and she’s never looked in better shape! Sooty’s a great cat, although the neighbourhood mice may disagree. She’s been a real friend to us and we want to enjoy her company for many happy and healthy years to come. Being a greedy guts by nature, she still tries to steal the odd treat but nowadays all she gets is the occasional steamed green bean!’

Sooty after weight loss

Lottie and Sooty along with their owners have put in some hard work in 2013 and it has clearly paid off. Congratulations from all the staff at Hollybank to them both!

If this all sounds a bit familiar give us a call on 01606 880890 or speak to a member of our staff. From advice about diets to regular support and weigh-ins we would love to help you to help your pets get healthier in 2014!