Percy is a much loved 3 year old Pug x Pomeranian.  He started a gradual weight gain after being castrated.  Percy's owner was advised that weight loss was needed for Percy's long term health and importantly being of Pug type, his susceptibility to breathing problems.  This would be greatly exasperated by being overweight.  Obesity has a damaging inflammatory response to many of the body systems and is preventable medical condition. 

Our weight management programme is nurse led.  This includes an initial nurse consultation to discuss current feeding regimes, explain the principles and owner commitment for the plan and diet choices to maximise the rate of steady weight loss.  Regular weigh-ins then follow so we can check not only the patient's weight but importantly their body condition score.  For pug and pug type breeds we follow the University of Cambridge body condition score chart (click here).  The principles of body condition scoring for dogs and cats are the same, but with pug / pug types their body confirmation is a little different - so they have their own! 

Body condition scoring is easy to do at home, give it a try!  If you have a pug or pug type dog then click here to take a look.  Scoring is between 1-9.  A good body condition score is 5/9.  For many owners this may 'look' too thin - but many pugs in society are overweight already so the what we normally see - isn't normal! Average weight ranges for any breed are just that - average.  Like us, we are all individual and this includes our confirmation and metabolism.  Body condition scoring will show if your pets current weight is just right for them.

The trigger points to weight gain are often post-neutering and aging - these are the times when your pets metabolism slows and the calorie requirement changes.  We recommend all pets are regularly weighed, body condition scored and their food and treats are tailored to their individual needs.

The type of diet chosen for successful and steady weight loss is important for your pets health.  Just reducing their existing diet can be harmful, causing a reduction in vital nutrients.  A complete diet, specifically formulated for safe weight loss while satisfying your pets appetite will often be recommended.  There are several veterinary prescription diets to choose from.  Most of our weight management patients are fed Hills Metabolic, in dry and/or tin or pouch form.  Our nurses will calculate your pets specific calorie needs, feeding regime and support you and your pet throughout their journey.

Through the Hills loyalty scheme you can build up cash back and with £5 off your first bag or tray of food plus their 100% money back guarantee we can offer this at a very competitive price.  For more information, click here.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR PET WEIGHED OR HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR PETS TARGET WEIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT US.  The ongoing health of your pet is important to us.  Obesity is a serious condition and the importance of weight loss shouldn't be underestimated.  We are here to help you and our pet.

Our weight management programme is free for any pet on our MVP Care Plan.  Not on the Care Plan?  Click here for more info.