Operation TransPAWmation launches in Kilkenny!

Around as many as half of dogs and cats may be overweight according to pet experts, and more information is needed to help pet owners understand the key indicators of a healthy weight for their pets, Petmania Kilkenny’s Pet Care Advice Centre says. 

Launching its sixth annual health and wellbeing programme ‘Operation TransPAWmation’, Petmania Kilkenny  encourages pet-owners to pay particular attention to their pets’ Body Conditioning Score (BCS) to ensure optimal health for furry friends. The programme aims to prevent obesity in cats and dogs and highlight everyday steps to healthier pets. Pet owners can follow the eight-week healthy lifestyle programme, for free, by registering on www.petmania.ie or drop into the store in Kilkenny Retail and Business Park.

“Some owners are aware of what a healthy weight is and then others have absolutely no idea," said vet Carol Doyle.

"There is very little awareness of the BCS factors. Many go by the ‘general look’ but they may not know the official ribs, abdomen, waist check that gives an excellent indication of a pets’ overall health and condition.

Throughout February and March, Petmania is inviting pet owners in Kilkenny to take part in Operation TransPAWmation starting with a weight-check in at the Kilkenny store. The eight-week health and wellbeing programme will be run online with weekly updates, a food diary, exercise and diet hints and tips plus exciting weekly health steps to complete. As February is Pet Dental Health Month the experts at Operation TransPAWmantion will focus on dental care tips this month. 

Those who sign up for Petmania OT will also get exclusive access to a special Webinar presented by Operation TransPAWmation’s panel of experts including Vets Carol Doyle and Bobby Ortiz. Dr Bob will be sharing his expert advice throughout Operation TransPAWmation and pet owners in Kilkenny are invited to submit the questions via its Instagram.

How to check the BCS:

The BCS is a visual examination of the pet’s body ranked on a scale from one to nine. A score of one is too thin. Nine is dangerously obese. To check, look and feel the pets’ ribs, abdomen, waist. Check you can easily feel the ribs under the skin. The abdomen should tuck up nicely under the back legs and the waistline should be narrower than their chest. This indicates a score of four or five. 

The ideal score is four or five for a healthy pet which can be maintained with exercise and the correct nutrition. Pets that score higher may need to adjust their diet and exercise. Petmania Kilkenny is sharing simple tutorials and lots more healthy lifestyle tips throughout Operation TransPAWmation. The programme is designed around Petmania’s five ‘Pillars of Pet Care’ leading to healthier, happier pets.  

The Five ‘Pillars of Pet Care’ are:

Weight, Diet and Body Condition Score (BCS)
Exercise and Play
Pet Dental Care
Grooming
Parasite protection and prevention