Figure 1: Perceived Factors for Successful Weight Loss Compliance Table 4. Perceived factors influencing ability of pets to successfully meet goal weights, as reported through the VOL survey. Factors Negatively Impacting Weight Loss Program Success:
• Client noncompliance, unwillingness to change habits • Owner giving in to pet's begging or perceived unhappiness • Owner is not concerned that pet is overweight, does not want weight counseling or does not make weight loss a priority • Not making time to exercise pet • Not improvement seen, so owner does not feel program is working • Other family members not committed • Multiple pets in household • Insufficient time at hospital to discuss weight loss needs and plan > Operational tension in scheduling weight loss re-checks in veterinarian appointment slots • Cost of the veterinary diets • Weather/season Factors Contributing to Successful Weight Loss: • Owner compliance with increased exercise (even if not necessarily decreasing calorie consumption) • Owner is engaged to do more for their pets > Recognizes pet is overweight > Is concerned about pet's welfare > Understands health risks of pet being overweight > Already sees the detrimental effects of excess weight (e.g., OA) and wishes to improve pet's quality of life • Owner commitment to their own health
• Commitment and diligence of everyone in household - everyone is accountable • Encourage/praise by hospital team for any weight change in the right direction • Strong relationship of hospital team with client • Owner can afford recommended diets
Note . (Adapted from Saito, 2020, p. 16 Table 4)
Figure 2: Key Talking Points Table 5. Key talking point to influence owners for successful weight loss, as reported through the VOL survey. Talking Points to Starting and Engaging in the Weight Loss Journey: • Effects of obesity > OA and other medical conditions associated with obesity > Expense > Lifespan > Quality of life • Owner's role in the pet's weight • Food is not happiness • Techniques to change diet and feeding habits • Making exercise FUN for the pet and owner - once it is a habit, the pet will expect it • Showing the pet's weight graph to the owner • Celebrating successes with owners - incentivize owners to continue to engage and show that the hospital team supports the client • Creating small changes to routines based on achievable goals • Get to know clients and what will work and what they will commit to • Provide personal story or experience After Successfully Losing Weight, Why Aren't some Pets Able to Maintain the Healthier Weight? • Owner engagement drops once goal weight is achieved, e.g., resuming old habits • Owner changes to cheaper diet • Change in environment, household or life situation • Weather/season Note . (Adapted from Saito, 2020, p. 17, Table 5)
EliteLearning.com/Veterinarian
Book Code: VFL1526
Page 72
Powered by FlippingBook