Harmelia Animal Clinic

13/08/2025

Obesity is when your pet has too much body fat and it has a negative impact on their health, welfare and quality of life. We believe obesity is a serious welfare issue in pets, because it can cause suffering and can be extremely disabling. It's also likely to affect your pet's ability to do their normal activities, like exercise.

Pet obesity can cause serious health problems, and make existing problems worse, which can reduce the length and quality of your pet's life. It puts them at greater risk of conditions such as:
Diabetes, Heart disease, Respiratory distress, High blood pressure, Cancers.

Is your cat overweight? Here’s how to check:
1. You should be able to see and feel your cat’s ribs, spine and hip bones.
2. Your cat’s waist should be clearly visible when viewed from above.
3. Your cat’s belly shouldn’t be sagging underneath - there should only be a small amount of belly fat.

If your cat doesn’t pass these checks, speak to your vet, who’ll be able to give them a health check and, if necessary, recommend a weight-loss programme to help them get back into tip-top condition.

Obesity can affect all types of pets. It’s mainly caused by eating too much or not exercising enough, although some diseases can also cause obesity. To help prevent obesity in your pet, make sure they maintain a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise.

If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment for a FREE WEIGHT ASSESSMENT, please contact us on 011 974 5201.

11/08/2025

Every Wednesday is WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY at Harmelia Animal Clinic. Get 10% off your pet’s ANNUAL vaccination... and don’t forget that August is Obesity Month here at the practice.

When puppies and kittens are born, the mothers pass on some immunity to their young through the colostrum in their milk, but unfortunately, this protection is temporary and the best way to ensure long-term protection for your pet is to provide it in the form of vaccinations against all the common diseases.

If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment, please contact us on 011 974 5201.

09/08/2025

09/08/2025

From all of us at Harmelia Animal Clinic, we wish all of you a very happy and blessed Woman’s Day!

08/08/2025

We hope you will be spoiling and celebrating the woman in your life this weekend. Just a reminder that we are closed tomorrow but we will be open at 07:30 on Monday the 11th. Please call us on (011) 974 5201 to make an appointment or to order your pet’s food and/or medication.

As we are closed on Sunday and Public Holidays, please see the emergency numbers below should you need to take your pet to a vet before Monday.

In case of an emergency please contact:
1. St Francis Veterinary Hospital - (011) 453 8525
2. The Avenues Veterinary Clinic - (011) 022 0636
3. Kempton Veterinary Hospital - (011) 391 1146
4. Bryanston Veterinary Hospital - (011) 706 6023
5. Fourways Veterinary Hospital - (011) 705 3411
6. Eastleigh Veterinary Clinic - (011) 452 6620

06/08/2025

The motivation to get outside and get active plummets in the winter months. Many use the lack of sunshine and cold temperatures as barriers to outdoor adventure.

The absolute best way to prevent pet obesity and keep your dog’s (or cat’s) weight at its ideal level is to never let it get out of control in the first place. We know this may sound easier said than done, but as the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment for a FREE WEIGHT ASSESSMENT, please contact us on 011 974 5201.

Several factors can make obesity more likely in your pet. For example, in dogs:
1. Breed - certain breeds have a higher risk.
2. Age - the risk increases with age.
3. Neuter status - sterilised dogs are more at risk.
4. S*x - apart from older dogs, obesity is reported to be more common in females.
5. Obese owner - this may lead to having an obese dog as it may be exercised less, or less able to recognise obesity.

Here are a few simple checks you can do to see whether your pet is overweight:
1. You should be able to see and feel the outline of your pet's ribs without excess fat covering.
2. You should be able to see and feel your pet's waist, and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above.
3. Your pet’s belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.

04/08/2025

Overweight pets are at significant risk for various health problems and a reduced quality of life. Obesity in pets can lead to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and breathing difficulties. It’s important to recognize that being even 15-20% overweight can increase the risk of these conditions and shorten a pet’s lifespan.

If you are worried about your pet’s weight, please make an appointment to see one of our Doctors. For the month of August we are offering FREE WEIGHT ASSESSMENT for your pets. We can guide and help you to ensure that your pet stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment, please contact us on 011 974 5201 or email us at [email protected].

01/08/2025

Courage, as well as Dr Amanda and her team, will be on duty tomorrow and are looking forward to assiting you. We are open from 9am until 2pm. Please call us on (011) 974 5201 to make an appointment or to order your pet’s food and/or medication.

As we are closed on Sunday and Public Holidays, please see the emergency numbers below should you need to take your pet to a vet before Monday.

In case of an emergency please contact:
1. St Francis Veterinary Hospital - (011) 453 8525
2. The Avenues Veterinary Clinic - (011) 022 0636
3. Kempton Veterinary Hospital - (011) 391 1146
4. Bryanston Veterinary Hospital - (011) 706 6023
5. Fourways Veterinary Hospital - (011) 705 3411
6. Eastleigh Veterinary Clinic - (011) 452 6620

30/07/2025

As we say good-bye to one month and welcome in a new month, we would like express our gratitude for your continued support - not only to our Clinic but also to the Rescue and Welfare Organisations that we support.

With all the challenges that life is currently throwing at us, may you stay safe and warm and blessed.

Please call us on (011) 974 5201 to make an appointment or to order your pet’s food/medication.

28/07/2025

CBD research in animals is still in its early stages, but some studies have found that it may be helpful in treating conditions like anxiety, pain, cancer, epilepsy and arthritis.

We stock delicious reVITALISE CBD infused dog biscuits and cat butter. Developed over many years, this formula is very effective in assisting our beloved pets with a range of problems, as mentioned above.

Start enjoying your pain-free, calmer, and happier 4-legged friend. For more information, visit revitalise.co.za

25/07/2025

I am sure we are all thankful it is the weekend and time to unwind with friends and family. July is coming to an end, but Courage and the Harmelia Animal Clinic team will be on duty tomorrow from 09:00 until 14:00. Please give us a call on 011 974 5201 to book an appointment or to order food/medication.

As we are closed on Sunday and Public Holidays, please see the emergency numbers below should you need to take your pet to a vet before Monday.