Cats

Can you pinch an inch?

It's all too tempting to spoil our pets with tit bits and a little extra food in their bowls, but, like us, if your pet is not wearing these extra calories off (particularly in the winter months) the pounds will pile on!

Pets become overweight or obese when the energy level in their food is greater than their daily requirements, and this excess energy is laid down as body fat.

Keeping our pets healthy and trim is just as important as in ourselves. Have a critical look at your pet! Is he (or she) carrying a bit of extra weight? Do they have a saggy tummy? Can you feel their ribs or do you just feel flesh? All these are signs that your pet may be overweight.

Carrying excess weight can predispose pets to arthritis, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, back problems, skin problems, liver disease and a range of other problems.

Given the potential health problems associated with excess weight, it's important to address it, and it is here that we can help.

If you feel your pet may be getting a little portly, we are happy to weigh them, and having ruled out other medical disorders, where required, set up a suitable diet and exercise programme.

We run regular free weight clinics are our Wells Road Hospital and Surgery and at some of our branches.

For more information, feel free to call your branch surgery or our Advice Line.