Pudgy pets welcome at first weight-loss clinic for animals in Belgium

Does your chihuahua look more like a bulldog? Is your Persian made of much, much more than fur? Well, if you are concerned about the weight of your four-footed friend, we have good news for you.

The first weight-loss clinic in Belgium specifically for animals has opened in Ghent. It is a new department in Ghent University’s animal health clinic, and it focuses on dogs, cats and horses.

“Figures show that about half of all cats and dogs are in fact overweight,” professor Myriam Hesta, who is running the clinic, told VRT. Most of her ‘patients’ are referred by other veterinarians in the clinic because they have been brought in for other problems, which may or may not have to do with their weight.

“It’s important that we have the full medical records,” said Hesta. “But pet owners can also bring their animals to us directly.”

She emphasises that owners shouldn’t try to take their pet from chubby to lean and mean by themselves; it’s best to seek the advice of a professional veterinarian. “But in terms of prevention, there are of course many good tips.”

Just like people, pets put on the pounds with age but mostly because they are overfed and under-exercised. Lay off the between-meal snacks and table scraps, says Hesta. “These are the biggest problems for a lot of animals.”

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