Re: Weight clinics...

Jax — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:17:17 GMT

Lovely thanks guys! :) Very much appreciated!! :) Xx

Re: Weight clinics...

Sophie Bedford RVN CertVNECC — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:52:34 GMT

It might be worth contacting your food rep to ask them to come in and discuss the foods with you again as they have also been very helpful in the past with advice on how to run clinics etc... Then you'll get all the most up to date information regarding the food brands you use inhouse

Re: Weight clinics...

Charmaloo88 — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:34:19 GMT

First thing you need to do is refresh your memory on what's weight loss diets you use in house. I'm a big fan of Hills RD, always find it the most user friendly with the best results. Hills light diets are OK but results tend to take a little longer. Always aim for just 10% of weight loss to begin with and warn the client it's a long process! There are feeding guidelines on food packaging but I prefer to use the feeding guidelines given in the diet compendiums you get from diet companies as they're much more accurate. In consult, weigh the patient and measure around the neck and waist, record these on file (you can also get diet charts from food companies). I normally begin diet plans by making light of weight issues - as women we can relate to it! But if they are repeat offenders you have to get a bit strict with some clients and remind them they are killing their pet with love! Discuss exercise, dogs are easy as you just increase walks depending on breed. Cats are tricky, encourage play with string and I normally advise to place food either at the top of the stairs or on a high surface to they have to make an effort to get to their dinner. Also with multicat households they just have to feed the obese cat in a different area at the same time as the others. Another tip - I tell clients to measure daily allowance out each morning, put it in a jar and take food and treats out throughout the day. When its gone no more food! Re-see the animal after they've been dieting for about 4-6 weeks (after slow introduction of new food over 5-7 days!) and re-assess as needed. Short essay for you but hope that all helps! I do weight clinics all the time and find them really rewarding! :)