Obesity is one of the main factors causing illness in our pets today. Forty percent of dogs and 33% of cats in Australia are classified as obese or overweight - that's an estimated 1.6 million Aussie dogs with weight problems.
People don't set out to make their dogs sick, however diabetes, respiratory problems and heart trouble are all increasing as a result of canine obesity. Not to mention cruciate damage and strain on the skeletal structure, which arise from an unhealthy weight.
If your dog's at risk, the best way to fight it is to start from the beginning.
Canine weight loss packages are about losing the weight and keeping it off forever, reducing the vet bills and extending your dog's lifespan.
Starting with a home consultation we go through your daily routine, feeding/food, exercise, medications and any injuries. We then evaluate what will need to be modified for your dog to lose weight.
There are sometimes some hard truths we have to work through but when you see the results and how happy and healthy your furry friend now is, it will all be worth it
Fortnightly weigh-ins are also included. Canine weight loss programs start at $35.00 per hour.
As your dog loses weight he or she will need to continue with a maintenance program, which starts at $25.00 per hour.
Weight Chart:
- Run your hand down your dog's spine and down over its sides. You should be able to feel the ribs easily through a layer of skin. If you have to press and dig for them you have your answer. Given that it's a little harder to feel the bones on a dog with a long coat, bath time is often a good time to try this.
- Look at your dog. Can you see an outline of a waist or an abdominal tuck (this is where the ribs tuck up to the stomach)? You shouldn't be able to see a straight line from the ribs to the hind legs horizontal to the ground.
- A general rule we like to use is a dogs waist should be no wider to look at than its neck.
- Research, in books or online, the correct weight for your dog's breed. Vet hospitals often have a chart in the waiting room. While you're there pop your dog on the scales and see how he or she compares.
- Begging does not mean your domestic dog is starving! Dogs are scavengers and can spot a sucker a mile away, there's another term for this: 'cupboard love'.
