Edenvale’s Kayla loses 18 kgs
“We often think that we can show our fur babies more love by treating them with food; however, this can lead to weight issues.”
Kayla, a Retriever, from Edenvale, was awarded tied third place in the Pet Slimmer 2021 Ambassador programme after she lost 18kgs during the programme, which equates to 31.3% of her body weight.
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Before entering the programme, Kayla’s owners took her to the St Francis Veterinary Hospital Edenvale for a check-up when they noticed that she was battling to climb stairs.
After an assessment, Kayla was signed up to the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Programme and a diet of Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic.
According to Hill’s, almost 50% of pets are overweight and alarmingly most pet parents don’t realise this.
Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, said that pet obesity is the number one health risk for cats and dogs.
“We often think that we can show our fur babies more love by treating them with food; however, this can lead to weight issues.”
To highlight pet obesity, Hill’s Pet Nutrition shines the light on pet obesity with its annual Pet Slimmer Programme.
With the assistance of the veterinary staff, the programme aims to help pet parents through their pet’s weight loss journey.
The programme is managed by vets and vet nurses from hundreds of practices around the country, ensuring that weight loss is properly managed and in the best health interest of the pet,” explained Fyvie.
Over 20 ailments have been linked to pet obesity, including diabetes, arthritis, skin issues, cancer and high blood pressure.
“Even if your pet is not dramatically overweight and only carrying a few extra kilograms, it can still put them at risk of health issues and can reduce their life expectancy by up to two and a half years, not to mention them being less happy,” said Fyvie.
This year, the Pet Slimmer Programme had 79 entrants who achieved their target weight and were judged by none other than Thando Thabethe, Willem Botha, Yaaseen Barnes, Rego & Dise Khoele and Roxy Burger.
The judges are pet parents themselves and understand the importance of keeping their fur babies’ health in check.
The ambassadors were selected based on a combination of elements that include their weight loss journey and their inspiring stories and photos.
Fyvie said that every pet, which reached its target weight was a winner, making the judging that much more difficult.
Pet Slimmer 2021 Ambassador programme included:
• First place – Morgan, a Schnauzer from Rietfontein that lost 5.6kgs.
• Second place – Roger, a small crossbreed from Durban North that lost 9kgs.
• Third place (tied with Kayla) – Amber, a large crossbreed from Bergvliet that lost 8.3kgs.
For more information about the Pet Slimmer 2021 Ambassador programme, visit Hill’s website.
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