PDSA Warns of Obesity Epidemic
Over the last four years, the charity has assessed the weight and general health of nearly 30,000 canine companions across the UK. Over that time, the percentage of overweight dogs seen has risen from around one-in five (21%) to more than one-in-three (35%).
Should the next four years follow the same trend, then by 2013 nearly 50% of UK dogs could be overweight. This means a reduced quality of life and the likelihood of an early grave due to obesity and its related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
The problem is so widespread that PDSA is re-launching its annual pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club. The charity aims to recruit some of the nation’s porkiest pets and help them to slim down to give them a new ‘leash’ of life. People can enter by clicking here.
The competition is backed by one of the country’s leading animal obesity specialists, Dr Alex German, from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School. He said: “Through its competition PDSA is putting the spotlight on the pet obesity epidemic and offering practical help to improve the quality of life of the participating pets. Previous years’ finalists have achieved fantastic results and similar success this year will once again provide real-life demonstrations to pet-owners of what can be achieved with commitment and veterinary assistance.”
PDSA is looking for the UK’s most overweight pets to take on the challenge of Pet Fit Club – a free six-month diet and exercise programme to help pets slim to a healthier weight. The charity will be selecting up to ten dogs and ten cats to take part. Entries are also being sought from the owners of overweight small furry pets such as rabbits
PDSA is also issuing the below advice to pet owners:
- Preventing obesity is much easier than getting a pet to lose weight. A good diet when a pet is young is essential – fat puppies and kittens are more likely to become fat adults due to the number of fat cells they produce during growth.
- Watch out for the treats: feeding a pet even a small treat can significantly increase their daily calorie intake. If you give your pet a treat, perhaps for training purposes, reduce the amount given in their main meal on that day.
- Weight loss requires a combination of the right diet and the right amount of exercise, so discuss an exercise programme for your pet with your vet. Build up exercise gradually, as a pet shouldn’t go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight.
- PDSA offers owners advice and guidance on a correct body shape for their pet at www.pdsa.org.uk/obesity.
- Some owners may be worried about seeking advice for their overweight pet for fear of being prosecuted. However, cases of prosecution for pet obesity are very rare and are usually a result of owners habitually ignoring advice from their vet over a period of time.
- In some pets, such as cats and rabbits, weight loss must be very gradual. If these pets lose weight too quickly, it can be fatal.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
