Killing with Kindness

Killing with Kindness Does your dog feel a bit more cuddly around its waist lately? And is your cat getting a little podgy around the belly?

Eating too much and not exercising enough will lead to being overweight which has major health implications for our pets, just as it has in the human population.

I know how tempting it is to give them a little treat, just because they asked so nicely or cocked their head at that adorable angle they have perfected so well, or even just out of habit. All these treats certainly add up.

Did you know that feeding your dog a sausage roll is equal to 384kcal or 31% of their recommended daily allowance (RDA) and 50g of cheese is equal to 208kcal or 17% of their RDA? If you feed your cat 100ml of skimmed milk this is equal to 47kcal and 28% of their RDA, a 50g piece of chicken breast is equal to 171kcal and 103% of their RDA. All these treats will be doing them some harm.

Overweight pets are at risk of developing diabetes, joint disease, heart disease and increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance, liver disease... each complication will be decreasing their quality and duration of life. Is this fair on them? We have the control over what they eat. And it's our responsibility to keep them healthy.

New Year is an ideal time to think about getting your pet onto a weight loss and exercise programme. Paragon is offering free weight assessments to all owners of overweight cats and dogs, these will be run by our registered veterinary nurses who will be able to formulate appropriate weight loss programmes for your pet and help you stay determined to keep your pet healthy. Please call us for more information and to book your appointment. Your pet will thank you for it!

We will also be hosting a client evening for owners who would like to know more about how they can help their pets lead healthier, longer and happier lives.

I have been emailed over the Christmas period with a query from a reader who has recently bought a kitten from a pet shop. It seems to be sneezing a lot, is underweight and has a bit of diahorrea, but otherwise it is lively and very friendly. It sounds as though it may have a touch of cat flu. This can be easily diagnosed and treated by your vet. If left untreated it can cause serious, even life-threatening complications and needs to be dealt with quickly. The diahorrea is likely to have arisen from a sudden diet change or exposure to novel bacteria in the kitten's new environment. This can be easily remedied by your vet.