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Pet obesity report reveals perception gap
“Pet obesity, much like human health, is a complex issue” – Nicole Paley.
The percentage of overweight pets seen by vets is increasing.

The latest obesity report from UK Pet Food has revealed a large perception gap between veterinary surgeons and pet owners over the number of overweight pets.

The veterinary surgeons who responded to the survey reported that 50 per cent of dogs, 43 per cent of cats, and 31 per cent of small mammals that they saw were overweight.

In the past ten years, the percentage of overweight animals reported by veterinary surgeons has increased. One hundred per cent said they were concerned about the growing obesity problem.

Despite this, owner perception of their pet's weight does not seem to register the scale of the issue. Just four per cent of owners said that their pet needs to lose weight.

Part of the reason for this may be lack of adequate monitoring.

Just 25 per cent of owners said that they regularly weighed their pet and only seven per cent knew how to correctly assess their pet’s body condition. Half of respondents had never consulted a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse about their pet’s weight.

UK Pet Food, a trade body representing the pet food industry, has produced an obesity report every five years since 2009.

For the first time, the report has included toolkits for veterinary and retail professionals to use to support pet owners with monitoring and managing their pet’s weight.

Nicole Paley, deputy CEO of UK Pet Food, said: “Pet obesity, much like human health, is a complex issue. While there’s a gap between how owners perceive their pets’ weight and the reality, there’s also a vast amount of expertise and strong commitment from all sides to address this challenge.

“This is our fourth report, published every five years, and for the first time, we’ve included practical toolkits for frontline professionals like vet nurses and retailers. These resources are designed to help initiate important conversations with pet owners, supporting them on their pets' weight management journey.”

The full report can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.