Time to get your pets health back on track
January is the month of health and fitness New Year resolutions and vets are encouraging pet owners to consider their pet’s diet and exercise as well, as figures reveal millions of UK dogs, cats and rabbits are overweight.
Recent statistics show that one in three dogs (2.5m), one in four cats (1.9m) and one in four rabbits (200,000) are now considered to be obese or overweight in the UK.
And 81 per cent of veterinary professionals have expressed concern over the problem, having seen a significant rise in pet obesity in the last two years.
To help owners recognise if their pet is overweight, support dieting and help keep them happy and healthy, vets from Vets4Pets and PDSA are stressing the importance of tackling pet obesity.
Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Obesity is currently one of the most serious health and welfare issues affecting pets in the UK, which may be surprising to some owners.
“It can often be hard for owners to recognise if their pet has become an unhealthy weight, because weight gain can be very gradual.
“With millions of pets currently over their ideal weight, being obese or overweight is now almost considered as the norm, or even cuddly or cute.
“And, as with humans, weight gain in pets, more often than not, is because of too much food and not enough exercise.
“But there is help out there for owners to help reduce their pet’s weight, both in veterinary practices by attending weight clinics, and online using tools such as www. vets4pets.com/petobesity.
“Each pet is different, so it is always best to ask a vet or vet nurse for advice to find out what diet and exercise regime is ideal for your pet.
“And we hope education, awareness and support from veterinary professionals can help significantly reduce pet obesity in the UK.”
To find out more on pet obesity go to www.vets4pets.com/petobesity, read the 2016 Vet Report at www. vetreport.co.uk or to sign up for PDSA Pet Fit Club visit www.pdsa. org.uk/petfitclub.