Over the last 15 years or so, dietary therapy for dogs and cats has developed increasingly. A visit to your local vet will make you aware of a huge range of specialist prescription diets.

More recently, ranges of "life stage" diets have been developed to meet the specific needs of dogs and cats at different times of life. And most recently, a group of diets to assist in the management of various minor problems has evolved. And it is this latter group which our new Diet Pharmacy makes available to you.

But beware! The use of these diets is no substitute whatsoever for correct diagnosis and treatment, by your veterinary surgeon, of any medical conditions involved. So, please, if you have any health concerns about your pet, your first action must be to arrange and examination and treatment by your veterinary surgeon. And at that time, take the opportunity to discuss the specific dietary needs of your pet. Beyond that, we hope you may find our Dietary Pharmacy helpful to you.

Obesity:
Many pets are overweight. A recent survey has shown that an alarming number of our pets simply carry too much weight. In addition, there are large numbers of 'obese prone' pets – those who would become overweight, given half a chance! For all of these animals, a low calorie diet is very helpful.

The logic behind such a diet is that low calorie foods tend to be bulkier, thus they will fill the stomach more, for the same calorie content, than a normal diet. And in doing so, will reduce hunger to some extent.

It is always sensible to monitor regularly the progress of a weight reduction programme. So first of all: weigh your pet! Accurately!

Next, decide on a target weight, to be achieved at the end of the diet. Then plot a graph, and aim to achieve the end result over a sensible period – often 3 months or more, depending on the situation. This approach is often best coordinated and monitored for you by the Veterinary Nurse at your local practice – so do ask there for help.

Once you decide on an appropriate diet, and the daily quantity, stick to it. Don't cheat! No titbits! Ignore the pleading eyes! And if, after some weeks, you have not made progress, then either the daily allowance may need to be lowered, or, you did cheat! Remember, calories do not come out of thin air!

Some good complete diet foods:

• Science Plan Canine and Feline Maintenance Light in all its forms.
• Eukanuba Adult Light in all its forms, for both cats and dogs.
• ProPlan Reduced Calorie for dogs
• ProPlan Weight Management for cats.
• Nutrience Adult weight management (Canine or Feline)

And finally, exercise is always helpful for losing weight and for maintaining good condition. If your dog or cat is quite overweight though, make sure you discuss a suitable exercise programme with your vet.