Call the Vet - an insider's guide to dog and cat health

Is your cat their healthiest weight? With over 60% of pet cats being classed as overweight or even obese, there's a good chance your cat could do with losing a few pounds. And if left unaddressed this can lead to them suffering from multiple, otherwise preventable health problems.

In this episode we talk about:

• Health Risks of Being Overweight for Cats
• Perception of Normal Weight for Cats
• Keeping Track of Your Cat's Weight
• Addressing the Problem of Being Overweight
• Seeking Help With Weight Loss
• How to Help Cats Lose Weight
• Exercise and Diet
• Managing More Than One Cat

Links:

• Learn about harness training your cat
• Discover the world of cat puzzle toys
• Check out the supakit collars and harnesses (and get 10% off!)

Find out more cat weight loss tips in the show notes

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We love our pets and often express this by giving them extra portions or treats we know they enjoy.

But there is a health crisis sweeping the global pet population, and if we allow our pets to continue to gain weight then their life will be cut short by as much as 2 years.

Meet Edie and her human Kelly, and find out how their weight loss journey could mark the turning point in your pet’s health and happiness.

Pet Obesity Awareness Month

• [1:55] The single most important thing you can do for your dog or cat’s future health, happiness, and lifespan is to keep them at a healthy, lean body weight.
• [2:56] It can be complicated for many overweight pets to follow through on a weight loss program once they admit there is a weight issue.

Edie and Edna’s Story

• [04:33] After Edie was spayed, Kelly noticed a change in her appetite and difficulty feeling satisfied for more extended periods. It ultimately led to an increase in body weight.

Edie’s Weight Loss Journey

• [5:15] Kelly was initially confident in her ability to manage the situation on her own. Consuming less food equals losing weight. This approach, unfortunately, did not work.
• [6:57] The final straw was a visit to the veterinarian. Edie was at her heaviest weight of 14.4kg. At this stage, a change of diet was suggested and although Kelly was sceptical Edie starting this weight loss diet.
• [9:06] Kelly was willing to go to any length once the strategy began to work and showed promising outcomes. Edie lost a large amount of weight, and dropped from 14.4kg to 9.4kg.

Tracking your pet’s food intake

• [11:53] The amount of food to be fed can be determined in two ways. Using a scale is best to weigh out each meal. The other is to use a measuring cup.
• [12:59] Instead of giving treats, Kelly uses Edie’s food as treats and keeps track of how much she feeds throughout each session.

Kelly’s Advice

• [13:29] Don’t be offended when your vet talks about your pet’s weight
• [14:52] The result of weight loss was that Edie was more animated, playful, and agile; she moved differently and appeared younger and healthier.
• [22:50] Regularly weight your pet and keep a track of their previous weights so you can spot trends, as well as help keep motivated during a weight loss program

For more details, weight loss tips, and all the links mentioned in today's show head over to https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-weight-loss-journey

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We all want to be able to keep our dogs and cats as healthy as possible in the first instance, with the aim being to prevent illness and injury whenever possible. A holistic approach considers all aspects of a patient's lifestyle and individual needs and is an absolute requirement in this aim. But does this mean that drugs, or pharmaceuticals, are to be avoided at all costs? Do they actually cause more harm than good? Or are they one part of the toolkit that, when used responsibly, ensure your pet is living their best life?

Join the discussion and check out the show notes here

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Not One More Vet. That is the dream…that not one more veterinarian, technician, nurse, or support staff will feel that they have no other option than to end their life by suicide.

This is a silent crisis that has been a part of the veterinary profession for far too long. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes, and exploring:

• The statistics of veterinary suicide - it’s not just vets
• The reasons behind the struggles of all veterinary staff
• The pandemic effect
• How you can help your vet

Head to the show notes for all links and further resources

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Why do veterinarians recommend the diets they do, rather than a more "natural" raw diet that must surely be better for your pet's health. It can't be because the kibble is better, but instead that they are either ignorant or out to make a fast buck...or is it?

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Taking your pet to the veterinarian can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. But you, the pet parent, play a key role in making sure that your pet receives the best care available, and also that you get the most value possible.
These 9 tips, based on my 15 years as a vet working in general practice, will make sure you and your vet make the perfect healthcare team for your dog and cat!
Dive into more details in the show notes

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Is your cat really as happy and mentally stimulated as they can be? Can you truly say they are living their best life?

Today's discussion, with the passionate cat behavioral consultant Ingrid Johnson, focuses on what exactly your cat needs to thrive and the simple changes we can all make around the house, and in our feeding habits specifically, that really can make all the difference to your cat's wellbeing.

All too often the mental and emotional needs of cats are ignored. Today is the day to make the change they need!

For more information and all the links discussed head over to the show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/cat-enrichment

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Have you ever considered the impact that the food you choose to feed your pet has on the planet? Like most of us, do you think it's probably pretty negligible?

What if I told you that a quarter of all meat produced in the United States is being fed to dogs and cats and as a result, about 25-30% of all the greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts associated with meat production are due directly to pet food! I’ve spoken before about the importance of sustainable pet ownership, and diet is probably the most important change we could all make.

At the same time though it is important we continue to research and optimize the quality of what we feed our pets, to ensure the best health possible for the dogs and cats that share our life.

Thankfully, the pet food revolution is here...

Discover more in the show notes

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

There have been huge changes in the world of veterinary medicine over the years, and a rapidly increasing standard of care that our dogs and cats are able to receive.

This has, for the most part, had a really positive impact on the health of our pets.

There are, however, some downsides with the increase in technology, equipment, and skills available meaning that, along with climbing bills, making the decision on what is best for your family has become increasingly more complex.

Having a veterinarian you know and trust has never been more important...

Head over to the show notes for more

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Would you be able to afford a large veterinary bill if your pet suddenly became injured or unwell?

The last thing any pet parent wants is to be forced to make medical decisions based on what they can afford rather than what is in their dog or cat’s best interest. Something I come across all too regularly in the veterinary clinic.

Make no mistake, planning for unexpected costs ahead of time could very well be the difference between your pet’s life and death…

In this fantastic interview with Catherine from the pet insurance comparison site Fursure, we discuss everything a pet parent needs to know about to make sure that they are able to choose the best pet insurance policy for their furry family, as well as the other financial options available:

• What is pet insurance for?
• What is the best age to get insurance?
• An explanation of preexisting conditions and exclusions
• The different types of pet insurance policies available
• How pet insurance policies differ
• The excess and copay options that are best to choose
• Direct claims vs upfront payment and reimbursement
• The benefits of using a pet insurance comparison service
• Alternatives to pet insurance

Check out all of the details, links, and more in the companion blog

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review