Margot is a 5 year old Collie who is overweight and has been suffering from lethargy and a general lack of interest in life. Margot lives with another dog, Jessie and their owners, John and Deidre.
The vet told John that the best thing that could be done for her is to lose weight. She began at 37kg and her ideal weight is around 25kg. That means she's 50% overweight! If John can get Margot down to her ideal weight, she has a chance to live an extra 2 years.
John was at a loss to understand why Margot should be so overweight when Jessie, the other dog, was not. It transpires that Margot has been eating some of Jessie's food as well as her own - a common problem with dual dog households.
The important points for Margot's weight loss are:
Slow and Steady
Gradual weight loss important – in Margot's case, she has a 9 month programme to lose her weight.
Keep the balance
It must be done with a complete and balanced food – so that the dog does not suffer any nutritional deficits during the process.
Reset the boundaries
Devise a system to prevent her from eating Jessie's food – Jessie will be fed in the shed and the food then removed to prevent Margot's access.
Margot was put on a special weight loss food, sent home and told to come back for a weigh in every month. Fast forward to 6 months later and the result is astounding. Margot has lost a massive 9kg and is like a puppy again. John and Deidre are fired up to finish the programme and then keep her at her ideal weight.
YOUR SAY: How do you keep your pets healthy and active? Share your tips here...
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