Over 60% of vets say that pet obesity is the biggest health and welfare concern for pets in the UK.
Monitoring your pet’s weight, diet and exercise levels is essential to ensure your pet’s short and longer-term health and to having a long and active life together.
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity’s Community team will be running a drop-in ‘hefty hound’ advice session for from their shop in Bell Close, Keswick on Saturday 23rd March from 11am – 3pm to help owners body condition score their dogs, monitor their weight, and get nutrition and exercise advice to help fight the flab and improve their dog’s welfare.
Phil Knighton, Community and Animals Officer at Oak Tree explains “Dog weight management is a real issue for dog owners in our region and through these sessions we are hoping to provide friendly support for owners who need some extra advice.”
“As dog owners ourselves, we all know how easy it is to give in to ‘the eyes’ and provide extra treats here and there. While we actively encourage training using treats it’s important to factor these extra calories into the dog’s daily ration. During these sessions owners will get the chance to learn about body condition scoring, start a weight diary for their pet, ask questions about feeding and consider the right type of exercise for their dog’s breed and age. Often owners are aware of their pet’s weight problems but are either embarrassed to admit the issue or don’t know where to start. We hope these sessions will help them to take that first step.”
For more information about pet weight management, the Charity’s work and how you can help, please visit their website www.oaktreeeanimals.org.uk, call them on 01228 560082, follow them on social media or email [email protected]. They are open 7 days a week, 10.00am – 4.00pm.
