Weight Loss Challenge

Weight Loss Challenge

Puyallup Valley Veterinary Clinic is devoted to keeping pets well throughout all stages of life. Keeping pets fit and trim is one essential facet of a long life - according to a Purina study, lean-fed dogs lived an average of 1.8 years longer than overweight dogs!

In an effort to create awareness of the detrimental effects of being overweight, Puyallup Valley Veterinary Clinic has partnered with Purina in a Weightloss Challenge. Three overweight dogs will be put on Purina's OM Overweight Management diet and their weight loss documented here. Updates will be posted regularly!

Purina Weight Loss Study

Body Condition System

Millie

Millie, a 6 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, rates a 9/9 on the Body Condition Scale. Her starting weight is 53.8 lbs. This means that she carries massive fat deposits on her thorax, spine, and at the base of her tail. She doesn't have an abdominal tuck and her abdomen is distended.

Birdie

Birdie is a 4 year old Labrador Retriever. At 86.9 lbs, she rates an 8/9 on the Body Conditioning System. Her ribs are not palpable under a heavy fat cover and she has no waist or abdominal tuck. She also carries fat deposits on her lumbar area and at the base of her tail.

Loveday

At 13 years old, Loveday, a border collie, is our oldest participant. Like Millie, Loveday rates a 9/9 on the Body Condition System at 81.8 pounds. She has no visible waist or abdominal tuck, and her abdomen looks distended when one looks at her from above. Loveday came to us having trouble walking and standing - losing weight will definitely help her feel better!