In a new partnership with PitPat dog activity monitors, Agria Pet Insurance demonstrates a further commitment to its ethos of promoting the importance of the owner–pet relationship, while at the same time helping owners take a positive step towards tackling dog obesity.
The partnership will see every owner who takes out a new Lifetime or Lifetime Plus policy with Agria Pet Insurance be given a free PitPat activity monitor for their dog. In a similar way to human activity monitors, PitPat uses the combination of a device, attached to the dog’s collar or harness, and an app, to allow owners to keep track of their dog’s activity and manage their weight.
Simon Wheeler, Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, says, “What’s particularly compelling about PitPat is the fact that it keeps owners actively involved in their dog’s health. By staying aware of their pet’s weight and the exercise they’re getting, owners can avoid problems caused or exacerbated by inactivity or obesity.
“Crucially, PitPat doesn’t encourage owners to overdo it, either. By recommending the right amount of exercise depending on the breed and age of dog, owners are advised on appropriate exercise, which is of course especially important where young dogs are concerned, as well as when they are slowing down in later life.”
Robin Hargreaves, BVA Past President and Vet Lead at Agria, says, “As well as being a health risk in its own right, obesity also makes every single other health condition worse from skin conditions to heart disease and arthritis. Furthermore, there are the increased risks with any surgery that might be required on an animal that is obese – anything that we can do to help owners keep their pets at a healthy weight is really valuable.
“Having the awareness of how active your dog is and being reminded to weigh them gives a very beneficial insight. So many later-life problems can be either eliminated or mitigated by getting feeding and exercise right, and to give owners a tool to help with this, especially at the beginning of their pet’s life, is incredibly useful.”
Agria Vet Team member, Yvonne, has been using the device to help achieve a healthier weight for her two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier: “I got a PitPat to help with Nala’s weight-loss journey and it’s been brilliant. She’s gone from a slightly chunky 28kg, to a healthier 25kg and seems to have more energy than ever.“
The PitPat app is really easy to use and provides calorie and activity recommendations specific to her. Nala and I are enjoying working towards goals and earning badges tog-ether and I’m so pleased she’s now healthier and happier!”
Beth, RVN from a small animal practice in Bath, had the challenge of helping Harvey, the black lab she adopted, lose the extra 10kg he was carrying when she first met him. Using a combination of diet food and a PitPat, Harvey rapidly reached his target. Beth is now keen to share the results with her clients at the weight loss clinics she manages.
Dog owners taking out a new Lifetime or Lifetime Plus policy with Agria Pet Insurance will qualify for a free PitPat. Click here for further details.
For further information about how Agria Pet Insurance supports veterinary practices, please visit here or call 03330 308390
