Before – During – After

A Pug’s Weight Loss Journey Continues

It’s no secret Edie has been on a weight loss journey. I have been quite open about it, the struggles along the way, as well as the success she has achieved. Some pet parents may be in denial about their pet needing to loose weight, even making excuses, and some truly not seeing their pet as over weight. We can come up with all sorts’ reasons for not addressing the issue.

“Oh, it’s cute”

“A little extra weight won’t hurt”

“The vet doesn’t know what they are talking about”

“The food my pet’s on now is just fine”

With Edie I don’t think I was in so much in denial, especially when she was weighed in at her highest weight of 14.4kg (31.68lbs). There were no denying or making excuses that this was not a healthy weight for Edie; for her breed; or for her future health.

It’s been 2 years since that weigh-in; it’s hard to believe. I think if I was to have been told it would take 2 years for her reach her optimum weight I would have been blown away, but now, after going through this with Edie, I can understand why it took so long, and why it was best that it took as long as it did. Think slow and steady wins the race.

There’s no denying it can be frustrating along the way. There is nothing like a dog, or cat for that matter, that begs for food. Some might say “walk away, ignore them”, but it’s really not that easy. You can’t explain to a dog that truly believes they are STARVING and need to be fed NOW that it’s not time to eat, or try telling that cat that SCREAMS in your face at 5am they have to wait another hour or two before breakfast will be served.

What really struck home with me was going through Edie’s photos. The difference in her “Before and After”. To be honest, I’m embarrassed that I let her get to the size she was. Edie was not the one opening her food bag and feeding herself – although if she was able I’m sure she would have 😉 ,it was me who placed that food in her bowl. That being said, I couldn’t have helped Edie get healthy again without the support of her vet. It was at their suggestion that Edie’s food be switched to Royal Canin Satiety Support to help address her weight and hunger issues. Once this first step was taken I had more control of the situation and could help Edie become healthy again.

I guess what I’m saying is if you have a pet that needs to loose weight, don’t let the embarrassment or worry of what the vet or anyone else thinks stop you. In fact, speak to your vet, they will not judge you, they should applaud you for addressing the situation and will help and support you through the highs and lows along the way. It’s not just your pet that is going through the change; it’s you as well. The outcome will be one of a healthy, happier pet that will be in your life for much longer. And really, isn’t that what’s it’s all about!

Even though Edie has reached her target weight set out by her veterinarian, the journey does not end here. We will now learn how to maintain and continue on her healthy journey.