VETgirl July 2023 Beat e-Magazine

QUARTERLY BEAT / JULY 2023 ///

/// QUARTERLY BEAT / JULY 2023

Steps to Successful Weight Management

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Anti-inflammatory properties: Omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation and reduce the clinical signs associated with OA, which is often a weight-related condition.

Integrating effective client communication and nutritional management to facilitate canine weight loss requires the commitment and engagement of the entire veterinary team. The 2021 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats 6 provide a deep dive into a variety of topics from effective client communication strategies to creating nutritional recommendations. A focus on optimizing pet health and building trust between clients and clinic will help promote the health of both your patients and your practice. *Caloric restriction @25% MER for months 1-4 and @40% MER for months 5-6; on package feeding instructions reflect 40% restriction.

Breakthrough Diet Transforms Metabolism and Supports Mobility A new research-driven diet offers a unique nutritional approach to healthy weight loss with joint health benefits while improving select metabolic indicators. Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets OM Metabolic Response + Joint Mobility was shown to reduce body fat and minimize loss of lean body mass in a six-month weight-loss study.* 5 Features of the diet include a 3:1 protein-to-starch ratio, natural fiber to contribute to satiety and a high level of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) to help nutritionally manage dogs with joint conditions.

PERFORM A COMPLETE NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT

Protect with more precision.

Ask open-ended questions to draw out more detail from the client. (For example, “Tell me everything you feed Shadow from first thing in the morning throughout the entire day.”) Ask the client for permission to talk about their pet’s weight. If the client says yes, emphasize the health benefits of weight loss and the health concerns associated with obesity. Express empathy, not judgment. 3 PROVIDE A TAILORED RECOMMENDATION Consider the client’s lifestyle, goals, expectations and the human-animal bond. 2 SECURE CLIENT BUY-IN Involve the client in decision-making by exploring nutrition options together. Make a clear nutritional management recommendation, then elicit client feedback and modify recommendation as necessary. Schedule regular weigh-ins, initially 1 to 2 weeks later. Focus on achieving a body condition score (BCS) goal and rate of weight loss (1% to 2% per week) rather than a final weight. Encourage clinic staff to applaud both pet and client as the pet sheds pounds and eventually reaches ideal weight. This could entail a social media post, a success board in the lobby, or a printed certificate of 4 FOLLOW UP AND MONITOR 5 CELEBRATE SUCCESS! achievement. The veterinary staff can get creative to determine what works best for the individual clinic.

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References

Alvarez EE, Schultz KK. Effect of personal, food manufacturer, and pet health statements made by a veterinarian during a pet wellness appointment on a dog or cat owner’s decision to consider changing their pet’s diet. J Am Vet Med Assoc,2021;259:644–650. Alberga AS, Pickering BJ, Hayden KA, et al. Weight bias reduction in health professionals: A systematic review. Clin Obes,2016;6:175–188. Phelan SM, Burgess DJ, Yeazel, MW, et al. Impact of weight bias and stigma on quality of care and outcomes for patients with obesity. Obes Rev,2015;16;319–326. Pearl RL, Wadden TA, Bach C, et al. Who’s a good boy? Effects of dog and owner body weight on veterinarian perceptions and treatment recommendations. Int J Obes (Lond),2020;44(12):2455–2464.

Nobivac ® Lyme is the ONLY vaccine licensed to protect against inflammation and pathology of subclinical arthritis and its potential long-term repercussions. 1,2

Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Veterinary Communications Manager, Nestlé Purina PetCare

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To learn more, contact your Merck Animal Health sales representative or your distributor representative. Customer Service: 1-800-521-5767 (Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-6:00PM EST) Technical Services: 1-800-224-5318 (Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-7:00PM EST)