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Fatty treats fed to nearly three quarters of pets in Scotland
Boxer Diesel
Boxer Diesel weighs 58kg, around double his ideal weight.
PDSA launches this year's Pet Fit Club to tackle an "obesity crisis"

Pet owners in Scotland top the league tables when it comes to feeding fatty treats, according to research by the PDSA.

The charity warns more than 10 million pets in the UK are being fed junk food, such as takeaways, chips and biscuits.

It is estimated that around one third of dogs and a quarter of cats in the UK are currently overweight, putting them at risk of disease and early death.

PDSA research shows 72 per cent of Scottish owners lavish their pets with junk food - the highest percentage in the whole of the UK.

Following closely behind, 69 per cent of Welsh pet owners and two-thirds of owners in the north west of England are loading their pets up with high calorie, unsuitable snacks.

While London had the lowest rate of pet owners feeding fatty treats, nearly half (48 per cent) of owners in the region are still giving inappropriate snacks.

Dr Philippa Yam, leading animal obesity expert at the University of Glasgow, said PDSA's findings are "very worrying and demonstrate that diet remains one of the most misunderstood welfare needs for pets. Obesity is one of the most pressing health issues affecting companion animals."

PDSA's senior vet Elaine Pendlebury said seeing morbidly obese pets is now "an everyday occurrence" in UK veterinary practices.

The charity's 2013 PAW Report highlighted a range of inappropriate foods being fed to pets, including takeaway leftovers, crisps and chocolate. In some cases, pets even helped themselves to leftover alcohol.

Today is the launch of the PDSA's Pet Fit Club, which aims to tackle the ongoing problem of obesity. Jack Russell terrier Ruby was crowned winner of last year's fit club after PDSA vets and nurses helped her to shed a third of her bodyweight.

Boxer Diesel (pictured) has been put forward for the competition by his owner Suzanne Fox, 56, from Poole. He tips the scales at a whopping 58kg - around double his ideal weight.

Custard creams were a former favourite, fed by his owner along with other treats to try to help him grow out of his destructive habit of chewing furniture.

Suzanne, who is now following advice from PDSA vets, commented: "I have another boxer, Tia, who is a healthy weight, so I was shocked when I found out just how heavy Diesel was after talking to the PDSA vet.

"He loves going to the beach, so I hadn't considered that his weight could cause him to have health problems in the future."

Owners can enter their pets for the fit club via the PDSA website. The deadline for entries is Sunday, April 27, 2014.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.