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Pet obesity on the rise, report finds
“Pet Obesity is a serious condition, which is now recognised as a disease among many health organisations."
More work needed to get through to owners - PFMA

New figures suggest pet obesity is on the rise, with over half of dogs now considered to be overweight or obese, according to vets.

The report, Pet Obesity Ten Years On, was published by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.

Vets who took part in the survey felt that 51 per cent of dogs, 44 per cent of cats and 29 per cent of small mammals are now overweight or obese. The last PFMA report in 2014 showed 45 per cent of dogs, 40 per cent of cats and 28 per cent of small mammals were overweight.

All vets surveyed for the latest study said they were concerned about pet obesity.

Despite this, research carried out among 8,000 households found that 68 per cent of owners thought their pet was the perfect weight, while 67 per cent were not worried about pet obesity.

There was also a considerable mismatch in opinions about the cause of pet obesity, with 98 per cent of vets thinking excessive treating contributed to the problem, compared to only 41 per cent of owners. Similarly, 80 per cent of vets cited lack of exercise as a problem, but only 44 per cent of owners shared this view.

The findings were discussed at a gathering of MPs and animal welfare experts at the House of Commons.

Nicole Paley, deputy chief executive of the PFMA said: “Pet Obesity is a serious condition, which is now recognised as a disease among many health organisations.

“Over the last ten years, we are proud to have helped communicate the importance of healthy nutrition and dangers of obesity – to pet professionals and owners. However, the message is not getting through to pet owners - and we need to do more.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.