Vets4Pets Bishopbriggs

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Often when we see a patient that has a few extra pounds owners tell us "they only eat their dog food and nothing else" or " I don't know how they're overweight because they are picky eaters".
Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself, answer honestly and the truth shall be revealed!
Am I weighing out their food everyday to their exact measurements? ... Who else in the house might be feeding them treats other than me? and how often?
Do I feed my pet any human food throughout the day? (including but not limited to 'the odd bit of toast' - with butter?! 'milk', 'porridge', 'steak', 'gravy', 'a wee sausage', 'bit of cheese' etc)
Do you give dent-sticks daily for teeth? That's OK - do you remember to substitute that from their daily intake and reduced treats? no? - that's less OK
Is your cat licking the plates? - this is a lot of extra calories
Is your cat outdoors? could your neighbours be feeding them?- it happens, trust us!
Only you know how much your pet is truly getting but each of these questions are possibilities that can have detrimental effects to your pets overall health.
If the answer to most of these questions is No and your pet is still overweight there could be something wrong and we would recommend a vet check.
If the answer however is Yes to a few or to all, don't worry! Your not alone, we've had it all. The choice is up to you and what you do next. Come and speak to our nurses, we're here to help.
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Tip; We've all heard of HIIT workouts?
When exercising shorter walks with purpose over long leisurely walks 10 - 15 minute walks (on lead) 3 - 5 times a day keeps energy levels higher and allows the metabolism to burn calories for longer. As apposed to a 1 - 2 hour walk once a day.
... Food for thought: You want to come home from a walk and your dog should still be bright and have a good amount of energy left. If your dog is lagging behind by the end of the walk and immediately drops into bed once home, that walk has been too extensive for their level of fitness.
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We are very honoured to have been nominated for the Petplan Veterinary Awards, many thanks to you all!

Tip; Keeping a food diary is a great way to control how much you pet is actually being fed. I should include, who's doing the feeding, treats, tit bits, dental aids etc, anything that goes into your pets mouth - record it!

Is your pet at risk?
Osteoarthritis; although any dog/ cat can develop arthritis. Obesity can directly effect the development and severity of the condition. High risk breeds are more likely to develop arthritis at a younger age when overweight as it is apply more pressure to the joints.

This photo will brighten up a dreary day.

Tip: Take a close look at what you feeding your pet. There are many different diets available on the high street and it's easy to get lost in the vast sea. Just be sensible, consider your lifestyle and the lifestyle your pet will lead.
If you have a for example a Border Collie - by nature these are very high energy dogs and are commonly the face of working dogs in the UK due to being farming dogs. High energy/ fatty diets are designed for such dogs BUT if you yourself do not ...have a high energy lifestyle and they are a companion animal, getting walks on average 1 - 2 times daily. This diet designed for the breed is not suitable for your dog and would simply pack on fat.
If you would like more information book an appointment with our nursing team who would be more than happy to discuss life stage diets with you further. However due to the ever expanding variety of diets on the market we cannot comment on the quality of every diet available.
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Is your pet at risk?
Diabetes: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus.Your dog may lose weight but once they have diabetes it is with them for life. Overweight cats are also at a higher risk of diabetes but there is hope! Cats are self correcting and with weight loss and a controlled diet they can be managed on diet alone (without insulin) or in some cases be reversed.

Tip: If choosing to put your dog on a diet, it is not simply a case of reducing the calories like in humans. Pet food is specifically designed for daily (24 hour) energy release and nutritional balance. If you simply reduced your pets dry or wet diet to try and achieve weight loss you also risk nutritional deficiencies and further health complications. If a dietary change is required there are high street diets designed to aid weight loss eg. light, reduced calorie, weight loss etc In more severe cases of obesity prescription diets provided by your vets are advised

Top Tip for cats: Hide food through out the house, multiple rooms, under tables, on top on shelving units, etc.
Indoor cats spend almost no time hunting as food is commonly found in the same area of the house everyday at the same time. Cats, by nature are hunters and on average an outdoor cat will spend 8 - 10 hours hunting with 10/15% success rate. So lots of energy is burned during this time. Indoor cats will never experience this level of hunting but we can promote natural instinct by making the changes mentioned above.

Found this on one of the local Bishopbriggs community pages

Is your pet at risk?
Pancreatitis: Pets on higher fatty diets or pets who receive human food are at a higher risk. Pancreatitis can appear suddenly and without warning (also know as Acute) or can develop slowly over time (also known as chronic.) Although pets with chronic pancreatitis are at risk of acute episodes/ symptoms

Tip: Puzzle boxes, Kongs, food dispensing balls. Filling these products with their everyday diet helps stimulate the brain, encourage movement and slow release. Toys and games like this work well for both cats and dogs

If you are concerned about you pets weight call today to book in with one of our nurses! We will carry out what's called body condition scoring. Your pets is scored between 1 - 9. We will talk you through the steps and measurements we take to score your pet and depending on where they land we will provide you with a plan to help combat any excess pounds

Studies have shown obese dogs tend to live (on average) 2 years less than their ideal weight counterparts.