HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER PET

Do you have a podgy pet? The chances are you may be unaware if you do. over the years, our idea of what a healthylooking animal should look like has changed. We have grown used to plumper pets: rotund retrievers and tubby terriers are increasingly viewed as normal. But the fact is cute and cuddly is likely to mean overweight — or even obese. Nearly half of dogs and cats fall into this category, with lack of exercise, overeating and too many treats to blame. It matters because obesity can trigger a whole host of health problems — and discomfort — for your furry pal. PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman says: ‘Pet obesity is a huge problem that we need to tackle to keep our four-legged friends safe. ‘overweight animals have a greater risk of developing conditions including diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. ‘Excess weight can also exacerbate other medical conditions, such as the breathing difficulties suffered by pugs, French bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds.’ Close to 80 per cent of veterinarians say pet obesity has risen in the past two years. Rebecca adds: ‘owners aren’t acting out of cruelty — in most cases, they’re overfeeding or “treating” to show their love and affection. A much healthier way to do this is to take pets for an extra walk or give them more playtime.’ It’s all too easy to miss the extra inches creeping on over time, so regularly check your pet’s shape carefully. The veterinary term for doing this is ‘body condition scoring’. There are useful guides to body scoring other pets such as rabbits online which are a helpful reminder of what a healthier bodyshape really looks like. Here, we show you how to assess whether your pet has the ideal physique...

PET SHAPE GUIDE Very thin

MoRE than 20 per cent below ideal body weight. Ribs, spine and hip bones are very easily seen (in short-haired pets) through the coat. obvious loss of muscle bulk. No fat can be felt under the skin.

Underweight

BETWEEN 10 to 20 per cent below ideal body weight. Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily seen through coat. obvious and tucked-in waist. Very little fat can be felt under the skin.

Ideal

FRoM the side, your pet should have a smooth, tucked-in waist — also visible from above. Feel under their tummy: it should go in, not bulge out. You should be able to feel their ribs, spine and hips, but they should not jut out.

Overweight

About 10 to 15 per cent above ideal body weight, with ribs, backbone and hips difficult to feel under the skin. Waist barely visible with a broad back. Layer of fat on belly and at base of tail. For cats, the belly will be slightly sagging.

Obese

MoRE than 15 per cent above the ideal body weight. Ribs, spine and hip bones are extremely difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat. No waist can be seen and belly may droop significantly, even touching the ground. Heavy fat pads on lower back and at the base of the tail. on cats, skin side when walking.