Pet Weight Management

Pet Weight Management

in Richmond

Over half of pets are overweight – take charge of your pet’s health today!

At The Vet on Richmond Hill, we’re committed to helping pets maintain a healthy weight for a longer, happier life.

Whether you have a dog or cat, weight management plays a crucial role in their overall well-being.

Our weight clinic offers expert care to help pets in Richmond, Sheen, Hounslow, Brentford, Whitton, or Twickenham, shed the extra pounds.

What to expect at a pet weight consultation?

Our veterinary nurse will provide a full weight and body assessment to determine their ideal weight, plus a dietary review to identify improvements.

A healthy pet should have a visible waistline from above and a slight tuck in their belly from the side. Our team can provide a professional body condition assessment.

Once we know all the details, a customised activity and diet plan will be provided, tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and level of fitness.

For dogs, we’ll suggest activities such as: daily walks, playtime, and interactive games suited to their breed and energy levels. It’s best to avoid excessive tennis ball throwing, as it can put strain on your dog’s joints. Regular, shorter walks throughout the week are often more beneficial than one long walk on the weekends.

For cats, we’ll suggest short, engaging activities like chasing toys or using scratching posts.

We’ll be on hand to track progress and support with follow-up appointments. As they reach a healthier weight, you’ll notice increased energy, improved mobility, and an overall happier pet!

The importance of pet weight management 

Excess weight puts pets at risk for serious health conditions, including joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan.

Weight Management for Every Pet

It’s important to regularly monitor your dog’s weight, which we do during their annual vaccination visit each year.

For puppies, it’s essential to monitor their weight monthly until they reach 6 months of age to ensure they’re growing at a healthy rate, receive the proper diet, and stay up to date with worming and preventative treatments. Initially, it’s important for a vet to check for any underlying issues, such as arthritis, breathing problems, or hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. This helps establish the right weight management program for their long-term health.

As your pet sheds excess weight, you may notice a boost in energy, reduced anxiety, and a greater enthusiasm for playtime within just a few weeks!

Weight management for your dog

Dogs gain weight due to overfeeding, lack of exercise, or breed predispositions. Our guidance will include portion control, exercise, and diets to help your dog lose weight.

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Weight management for your cat

Cats often struggle with weight gain due to free-feeding, inactivity, or excessive treats. We’ll help your cat stick to a structured diet and suggest fun activities to get them more active. 

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Danes Tip:

We love to treat our dogs, but sometimes “too much love” can lead to weight issues. Our free nurse weight clinics can help you find the right balance for a long, happy life together. Let’s work together to keep your dog healthy!

Your pet’s diet 

Weight management pet foods are designed to be lower in calories while keeping pets feeling full. We can recommend the best diet plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

Free-feeding can lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead, set regular meal times with measured portions to control calorie intake.

Your pet can still have treats when they’re on a diet. Just opt for low-calorie treats like small pieces of carrot or apple (avoiding seeds and cores) and limit them to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake.

Start today to get your pet back to a healthy weight, ensuring a happier, more active future ahead!