• Call our surgery01733 893990
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  • Emergency01733 893990

If you are looking to book a cat vaccination, please be aware that there is an ongoing shortage of some cat vaccines affecting all UK Veterinary practices. Find out more here.

Podgy Pet Club

Has your dog or cat or even rabbit gained weight? Not just over the festive season like us. Maybe there has been a slight imbalance between feeding and exercise over a long period of time.

Even if you just want to check that your pet is the correct weight, come and see one of our nurses, and be a part of our Podgy Pets Club and book in a weight clinic today.

Our nurses Lorna, Rosie and Becca, will check to see if your pet is overweight and set a target weight for them. We will be able to recommend and advise you on a suitable diet to ensure a safe, controlled and healthy weight loss and exercise programme.

Please contact us to make a convenient appointment.

Being over weight can predispose your pet to mobility disorders, exercise intolerance, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, lowered resistance to infectious diseases and an overall reduced life expectancy.

Royal Canin offer weight management diets and mobility diets for dogs and cats, which are also on a loyalty scheme (after purchasing 8 bags or packs you will receive the 9th FREE!).

Burgess do a lighter diet called Excel Light Rabbit food, for rabbits trying to lose weight.

What causes my pet to put on weight?

  • Spaying and neutering your pet alters their metabolism, making them prone to weight gain.
  • As your pets become older, they become less active and therefore need fewer calories.
  • Some breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Cocker spaniels and mixed breed cats are more predisposed to weight gain.
  • Certain medical conditions that require particular medication.
  • Cats are becoming more urban, and have limited access to the outside world and so need fewer calories.
  • Rabbits that are kept in hutches all day or become lazy are inclined to put more weight on.

Tell-tale Signs

  • Slower at moving.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Collar has got tighter.
  • Sleeping more than usual.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Not grooming themselves as much particularly the back end as too big to do this.
  • Rabbit's bottom become dirty with faeces.
  • Sores on hocks.
  • Teeth problems in rabbits.

Exercise Tips for Dogs

  • Walk regularly.
  • Walk on different surfaces for resistance (sand, shallow water).
  • Hide food and toys for your dog to find.
  • Play fetch with a ball (even up hill).
  • Swimming.

Exercise Tips for Cats

  • Encourage your cat to play with toys to keep them moving.
  • Use a white light torch for them to play catch.
  • Take them out for walks on a harness (not for every cat).
  • Exercise food balls encourage your cat to work for their food (cats get a FREE exercise ball when they come to Podgy Pets Club).
  • Give your cat a box to play with.

Exercise Tips for Rabbits

  • Scatter food for them to forage and move around looking for it.
  • Hang broccoli and other vegetables up high for them to try and reach.
  • Exercise more, get a run if garden is not secure.
  • Treats are especially bad for pets when they are trying to lose weight.