Lighter Labrador James is like a new dog after weight loss success
Uplands Way head nurse Emily Philpot, who saw James for his weight management sessions, says that through eating a healthy diet combined with increased exercise, James is now a much trimmer 34.2kg (just over five stone).
Emily said: “I’m very proud of James and Mrs Mark for following the diet plan successfully, and James looks so different it’s hard to believe he’s the same dog.
“When we first saw James he was extremely overweight, which was affecting his mobility and putting his health at risk. Now he’s slimmer, happier and finds it easier to get around.
“His weight loss was achieved safely by working out how much food a dog of his size needs to provide the right amount of calories and nutrients. He has two meals a day, weighed out to the exact amount, and we also recommended a feed that’s designed to help support weight loss and contains a supplement to support his joints.
“Losing weight steadily and gradually is important, and James followed the diet for 10 months. Mrs Mark brought him in regularly so we could weigh him and check his progress - she has been brilliant at following our advice and was committed to helping James reach his target weight.”
Emily said that obesity is a serious problem in dogs and cats and, according to the 2023 Paw Report, published by the charity PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), veterinary professionals estimate that 46% of dogs are overweight or obese.
Emily added: “Even being a few kilogrammes overweight can contribute to health issues and it can also shorten a pet’s life. While James is livelier and more mobile since losing weight, he has been diagnosed with spondylosis, which affects the spine, and osteoarthritis. Both of these conditions are caused by wear and tear on the joints, which is increased if a dog is overweight. Unfortunately, they are issues that are not reversible, but can be managed through weight loss and medication.
“Anyone who is worried about their pet’s weight can contact us for advice and our weight clinics are the perfect opportunity to have your dog weighed and chat to our friendly team. We won’t judge an owner if their pet is overweight and we just want to help them keep their dog or cat as happy and healthy as possible.”
Mrs Mark, from Bressingham, said she is delighted with the new-look James, who she rehomed after his previous owner passed away. In his former home he’d piled on the pounds eating three meals a day, wolfing down chicken and rice, which are high in calories, and having limited exercise.
Mrs Mark said: “James was grossly overweight and I knew I had to do something for his health – he waddled instead of walking and he couldn’t play or run. It was like he was old before his time, but since he’s lost weight, he’s as active as any other dog his age. We recently took him to the beach and he loved it – it was the first time he’d had the zoomies since we rehomed him!
“I’m so grateful to Emily and the team at Uplands Way Vets for all the advice they’ve given me. Emily has been so supportive and encouraging and has helped keep James and myself on track with his weight loss.
“One of the most useful things I’ve learned is to weigh out James’s meals to ensure I’m giving him the correct amount and it’s important to be precise as even a couple of extra pieces of kibble can make a difference. The regular weigh-ins also helped me stay focused and knowing his weight loss was going in the right direction kept me motivated.
“James is such a lovely, friendly dog and I feel very lucky to have been able to offer him a home. It’s very rewarding to see him slimmer and healthier and enjoying life since so much more since he’s lost weight.”
