January is a time for resolutions and for most people’ get  fit’ or ‘lose weight’ features highly every year.  Why not include your pet in that this year?

A huge number of dogs and cats are classed as obese and the health implications of animals being overweight are just the same as they are for people.  Heart disease and diabetes are much more likely in fat pets and problems such as arthritis and urinary incontinence are exacerbated by extra weight.  Sometimes it is a simple matter of cutting out human food, reducing or cutting out pet treats or even just reducing amount of food your pet receives each day.  Some pets, just like people, struggle to lose weight despite taking those measure and there are special weight lose diets that can be recommended to help.

The benefits of weight loss can really be seen.  Jack, an arthritic collie, had to be on pain medication daily for his sore leg.  He lost 4 kgs and currently no longer needs pain relief. Lightening the load on his joints has meant he can be pain free without medication for longer.  Bob the pug struggled with his breathing to the point he coughed all the time and occasionally even passed out on a walk.  Again, once he’d been on a strict diet and lost weight he no longer coughed, could enjoy much longer walks and was much more playful.

Sometimes weight loss is the only medication needed so add your pet to your New Year’s Resolutions for 2013!  Happy New Year!