Sponsored by
Vets lead fight to stop pet obesity
FAT cats and podgy pups can look forward to a new year makeover thanks to weight watchers' classes being launched in South Tyneside.
No doubt many of us will have overindulge over the festive break and made a promise to shed weight in 2008.
Some will even have signed up to slimming classes to battle the bulge.
But pets are also at risk of piling on the pounds over Christmas, with plenty of titbits on offer, making them prone to obesity and an increase in health complications.
To help tackle the growing problem of overweight pets and kick start a new healthy lifestyle for them, South Shields veterinary practice Blythman and Partners in Boldon Lane, is introducing a new weight clinic.
Tim Jackson, veterinary nurse at Blythman and Partners, said: "The majority of pets now coming into the surgery are overweight and the problem gets worse over Christmas.
"Pets end up lounging in front of the fire, getting very little exercise and eating all the scraps from the turkey dinner.
"We are encouraging people to make a new year's resolution to help their pets trim down."
Obesity can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of pets and lead to diabetes, reproductive problems, a weakened immune system and damage to internal organs.
Mr Jackson added: "It is really important that people take their pet to the surgery for a weigh in where our specially trained staff can offer advice and support."
Anyone concerned about their pet's weight should can visit Blythman and Partners for a free weigh in.
The weight clinic opening times are Monday to Friday, from 11am to noon and 3-4pm by appointment only.
Appointments can also be arranged to suit individual needs.
Call the practice on 456 4209 for more information.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
