Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital offers a Weight Loss Clinic for our "weight-challenged" four-legged friends. Research shows that approximately 50% of dogs and cats are overweight to some degree. An overweight pet is at risk from a whole range of problems including arthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, skin complaints and breathing difficulties to mention a few.

Your pet may be potentially overweight if they have the following characteristic:

• Ribs can't be felt without applying a fair amount of pressure
• Pet obsessed with food
• Pet is inactive most of the time
• Loss of an obvious waist (and you may even notice belly wobble when walking or running)

Although your pet may be overweight, it is important for such a diagnosis to be made by a trained professional to ensure that there are no other complications such as Thyroid dysfunction.

Following a health check-up and full physical examination by our veterinarian we will team you up with one of our trained nurses who will prepare a weight management program for your pet, free of charge. Our nurses will outline target weight goals, a nutritional plan and an exercise program. Your pet's targets will be based on their age, breed, health and individual needs.

You will also be asked to bring in your pet to visit us regularly for free follow-up progress visits including weight check-ups to make sure your pet is on track and to discuss any concerns or queries you may have.