A SLIM PET IS A HAPPY PET


© 2009 Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Participating Clinics:

Animal Hospital of San Antonio

Chisholm Trail Pet Clinic, Inc.

Eastwood Animal Clinic

Coppell Veterinary Hospital, PA

Animal Hospital of SW Fort Worth

Frankford Crest Animal Hospital

Bissonnet Southampton Veterinary Clinic

Lavega Vet Clinic

Northwest Pet Hospital

Key City Veterinary Clinic

Valley View Pet Health Center

Columbia Veterinary Clinic

Four Paws Veterinary Hospital

Animal Medical Center of Plano

Brazoria Veterinary Clinic

Esse Veterinary Clinic, Inc.

Central Texas Cat Hospital

Corinth Veterinary Clinic

Tickle Blagg Animal Hospital, LLC

Dowlen Road Vet Center

Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital
Murphy Road Animal Hospital
East Lake Veterinary Hospital


WELCOME TO THE SLIM PET CHALLENGE

What is the Slim Pet Challenge? The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation has created a new campaign to raise awareness about pet obesity in the United States. The Slim Pet Challenge is a contest designed to turn obese or overweight dogs and cats back into healthy, happy and fit pets, while raising awareness about the importance of visiting with local veterinarians regularly to maintain the pet’s health and well-being.

According to a 2008 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 44% of dogs and 57% of cats in the U.S are now estimated to be overweight or obese. The study also shows, 7.2 million dogs are estimated to be obese and 26 million are overweight. The number in cats is higher, with 15.7 million estimated to be obese and 35 million are overweight.




BE PART OF THE CHALLENGE
We need veterinarians to actively engage their clients with obese or overweight pets and get them to participate in the Slim Pet Challenge.

The rules are simple:
  • You, the veterinarian, will determine which pets are qualified to be contestants in the Slim Pet Challenge.
  • You or a member of your staff will complete the weight-tracking chart in the specified time allotted for the contest (Dec. 14 to April 15).
  • The animal must have weight reduction plans prescribed by the participating clinic.
  • The animal must get an initial weigh-in with an official beginning weight recorded at the participating clinic and continue to have the weight recorded at the clinic every 30 days.
  • The final weight must be recorded and certified as correct by the clinic physician.
  • Winners will be chosen by the most total weight lost and for largest loss as a percentage of beginning weight so smaller breeds can have a chance to win.

If you would like to have your clinic participate in the Slim Pet Challenge, please send the following information to info@tvma.org or call 512/452-4224, no later than Dec. 7: The first and last name of the veterinarian, the clinic name and mailing address, clinic phone number and e-mail address. We will mail you a Slim Pet Challenge packet once this information is received.



ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN
Do you think your dog or cat qualifies as a candidate for the Slim Pet Challenge?

Talk to your veterinarian to find out how you can register your pet and help he or she stay healthy. If your veterinarian's clinic is not participating in the Slim Pet Challenge, get them on board. Have them contact us at info@tvma.org or call us at 512/452-4224 for all the details on how to be a part of this great contest.

This contest is FREE and prizes include a certificate of health, recognition in TVMA statewide publications as well our Web site and many more great prizes. And of course, the best prize is a prolonged life for your beloved companion.


Does My Collar Make Me Look Fat? Follow TC's blog to keep up with her reluctant journey to be a slim pet. Click Here.


To learn more about pet health, subscribe to our free Podcast, TexVet Pets, on iTunes by CLICKING HERE.