Menu
  • Home
    • Photo Gallery
    • How it all came about
  • Emergencies
  • Contact Us
  • Products
  • Pet Health Care
    • Pet Ear Care
    • Ticks and Fleas
    • Sickness in Pets
      • Understanding Biliary in Dogs
      • Understanding Rabies
      • What is Kennel Cough
      • What is Parvovirus (Cat Flu)
  • All Services
    • Behavioural Advice
    • Boarding
    • Critical Care
    • Dentistry
    • Home Visits
    • Imaging Specialist
    • Obstetrics
    • Pet Identification
    • Radiology
    • Specialist Surgeon
    • Vaccinations
    • Weight Management

Weight Management

Obesity is the most common health condition in dogs and cats. Up to 50% of pets are above their ideal weight for their breed, age and gender.

Overweight pets live shorter lives. Even as little as 20% extra weight can increase the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and breathing problems.

Weight gain is usually caused when pets eat too many calories and do not get enough exercise. Those special treats could be a major cause of an expanding waist line. However there can be other contributing factors.

AGE

Older pets are usually less active, so they need fewer calories.

BREED

Some breeds are more likely to gain weight.

NEUTERING

While its the responsible thing to do, the procedure can make some breeds prone to weight gain.

Pets can vary so much in size and shape, even within a specific breed. This makes it difficult to determine if yours is overweight. So its a good idea to have your vet check your pets weight regularly.

Every pet has an ideal weight unique to his individual size and body composition. Knowing this target is the first step in any successful weight loss program.

SIGNS OF AN OVERWEIGHT PET

  • Ribs cannot easily be felt
  • Loss of an obvious waist
  • Collar needs loosening
  • Difficulty walking
  • Slow movement
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sleeping more that usual
  • Your vet will be able to assist you with a weight loss program.

Our staff are trained to advise on the correct food for loss or gain and are able to recommend the correct weight for your pet.

We have a walk on scale which makes the weigh in a pleasant experience.

 

Go back to ‘All Services’
  • Home
  • All Services
    • Behavioural Advice
    • Boarding
    • Critical Care
    • Dentistry
    • Home Visits
    • Imaging Specialist
    • Obstetrics
    • Pet Identification
    • Radiology
    • Specialist Surgeon
    • Vaccinations
    • Weight Management
    • Cancer Awareness
  • Consulting Hours
  • Contact Numbers
  • Contact Us
  • Emergencies
  • Ensuring a Dignified end for your Faithful Friend
  • Financial Policy
  • From the Doctor’s Desk
  • Make an Enquiry
  • How Old is your Pet?
  • Our Mission Statement
  • Pet Health Care
    • Pet Ear Care
    • Sickness in Pets
      • Understanding Biliary in Dogs
      • Understanding Rabies
    • Ticks and Fleas
  • Pet Medical Insurance
  • Photo Gallery
  • Products
    • Eukanuba
    • Hill’s
    • Iams
    • Legacy
    • Maxhealth
  • Travelling with your Pets

Contact Us

Cnr Blackreef and De Beer Roads,
Dinwiddie,
Germiston

info@germistonvet.co.za

Emergencies 072 957 7443

Reception 011 902 3507

Sunnyridge 011 828 4751

© 2022 Germiston Veterinary Hosptial. All Rights Reserved
Design by PACT Marketing & Media