Talking to clients about pet obesity can be a sensitive topic, but starting the conversation is essential to improving animal health and well-being.
- Be understanding and supportive: acknowledge that tackling weight is a common problem
- Highlight the benefits of change: focus on positive outcomes – increased energy and improved health – rather than dwelling on the negatives.
- Use open questions: closed questions elicit much less information and may make the owner feel interrogated or defensive.
- Include the client in decision-making: this will help foster a collaborative approach and improve compliance with the management plan
- Incorporate visual tools: use resources like a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart or before-and-after photos.
Covetrus offers resources to support veterinary teams in tackling obesity, including:
- Body Condition Score charts to provide a clear, evidence-based way to assess a pet’s weight and educate owners.
- Waiting room posters to help initiate conversations with clients about the importance of a healthy weight for their pets.
Simply order these resources in your usual way or call us on 01387 274700 | ukahorders@covetrus.com