Kim Rolls pulled on the surgical gloves for his last patient on Wednesday 28th, his final day as one of our talented veterinary team.

Kim has been an integral part of OVH for 17 years providing skilled and practical veterinary care for animals large and small, day and night, mentoring our new grads and being a reassuring font of knowledge for all our staff.

His no nonsense practical approach will be missed by all staff and clients however we look forward to seeing his happy smile around Orange regularly - in between those bike trips!

When it comes to your pet, you might think carrying a few extra kilos isn't a big deal. Think again. Overweight pets are at an increased risk of arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disorders and diabetes. What is alarming is that most people aren’t even aware that their pet is a bit portly.

The best way to tell if you pet is overweight is to take a closer look at them!

When you peer down from above, your pet will have lost definition of his waist. Instead of an hourglass figure he might look a bit round and may even resemble a barrel on legs. You might also have a bit of trouble feeling his ribs when you run your hands over his sides.

A very obese pet may have neck fat, a pendulous tummy as well as fat deposits over the hips.

If you are worried about your pet's weight, we recommend that you drop in for a weight check with us. We will assess and discuss with you your pet’s body condition and, if necessary, start a weight loss plan.

The best news is that getting your pet to lose weight is easier than you think! Exercise will help but it is absolutely crucial you are feeding your pet the correct diet and the right amount. There are even diets available that will actually increase your pet’s metabolic rate to help your pet lose weight. 

We are always happy to help you out in this department and are the best people to ask for more information.

When you think about it, our companion dogs have a pretty good deal. They get their food delivered in a bowl and are able to lounge on the couch or lie out on the lawn most of the day. This way of life can unfortunately lead to weight gain and boredom so it's a good idea to check in regularly and ask yourself, "Is my dog getting enough exercise?"

Many pet owners assume that if their dog has access to a yard, she’s getting enough exercise. But dogs generally aren't that good at running laps by themselves and it's the interaction with you that makes all the difference.

The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on her breed, size, age and the condition of her health. Arthritis, heart and respiratory conditions can all be exacerbated by incorrect levels of exercise so it's a good idea to arrange a check up with us before you embark on any new exercise regimes with your pet.

As a general rule, dogs need 60 minutes of exercise daily. Split this in to morning and evening sessions for mental stimulation and to break up the day.

Our top tips:

• Socialise with other dogs - this is a great way to stimulate your dog's mind and burn some energy. You might make some new friends too! 
• Try to exercise your dog’s brain. Inspire her with food puzzle toys, hunting for dinner, obedience training and chew toys.
• Play games that make your dog run around such as fetch or hide-and-seek. But avoid repetitive ball chasing as this can wear out your dog's joints and lead to painful arthritis later in life.

Always ask us if you have any questions about exercising your dog.