What is Waist Watchers?
Waist watchers is a FREE nurse clinic to which you can bring your pet(s) too, to discuss any weight concerns you have with a nurse, whether they are underweight or overweight. It is there also if you just want to discuss anything about their daily feeding requirement such as what food you should be feeding and how much.
It is predominately there for all dogs and cats but other small animals such as rabbits are also welcome.
Why should I bring my pet(s) to waist watchers?
Obesity is becoming a huge problem in the UK with 50% of cats and between 30-40% of dogs being overweight. One in four of these animals are classed as obese. It only takes an animal to be over 15% of his/her bodyweight to be classed as obese.
Obesity is a form of malnutrition but this is not the only consequence of being overweight. A few other secondary conditions are diabetes mellitus, lameness, exercise intolerance, heart and respiratory conditions, and a shortened life expectancy.
Obesity is a condition that we at Cliffe Veterinary group take seriously and are keen to change and with the help and support of the ‘waist watcher’ nurses we are trying to achieve.
Underweight animals are also a concern and should not be ignored. Predominately the waist watcher nurses deal with overweight issues but also deal with underweight animals and if you feel this is the case with your pet(s) please does not hesitate to contact. There could be many causes of this occurring including teeth problems, intestinal parasites to which the nurse is able to treat or if a more serious clinical condition is suspected the nurse may refer you to a Veterinary surgeon.
What happens during a waist watchers clinic?
If a clinic is required due to a weight issue on the first visit a 20 minute appointment is allowed for a Veterinary nurse to assess your pet(s) current bodyweight, body condition and lifestyle (e.g. activity level) so a suitable weight control programme with regards to feeding and exercise can be set up to suit you and your pets needs. A target weight will be decided and it’s this that you and your pet will be working towards.
After the initial consult, fortnightly visits are required to ensure that the weight control programme is suitable for you and your pet and that results are being achieved. If not then your Veterinary nurse will recommend changes to the routine to improve success. At each visit your pet(s) bodyweight, body condition and lifestyle will be assessed.
Once results are being achieved visits will be extended to monthly visits. It will be up to your Veterinary nurse to decide when these monthly visits can start.
A waist watcher programme can be a quick or a slow process but either way you will be supported 100% through the whole process via your Veterinary nurse who will always be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.
Who are the Waist Watchers Veterinary Nurses?
Amanda, Nicola and Linda are the three Veterinary nurses who run waist watchers clinics. The Nurse who carries out your initial consultation will continue to support you through the whole process.
Amanda - clinics at Lewes and Woodingdean
Nicola - clinics at Lewes and Ringmer
Linda - clinics at Ringmer and Woodingdean
All clinics are by appointment only.
Remember, all waist watcher clinics are FREE.
What happens once the target weight has been reached?
Once your pet(s) have reached their target weight a weight maintenance programme will be decided and continued support from your Veterinary nurse will be available to make sure their weight is maintained. Monthly visits will continue until your Veterinary Nurse is happy that weight maintenance is being achieved. Once the target weight is reached, the length of time between each visit will be extended until discharged.
To celebrate the achievement of your pet(s) reaching their target weight a certificate of achievement and a gift will be presented to you on behalf of Cliffe Veterinary Group.
READ BELLA'S SUCCESS STORY