×
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE PET-RELATED UPDATES?
Get more pet related advice and tips sent straight to your inbox every month!
Pet obesity
It is estimated that about 51% of UK dogs
and 44% of cats are overweight or obese.*
*According to: https://www.pfma.org.uk
How obesity affects your pet
Obesity can be defined as excess body fat which can put our cats and dogs at risk of serious health problems and impact their quality of life.
Making sure your pet remains a healthy weight can help them live the life they deserve.
Overweight pets may be predisposed to life-limiting conditions including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Many forms of cancer
Did you know?
Overweight dogs
could lose more
than 2 years of their
expected lifespan.
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Here are some small steps to help keep your pet healthy
Follow the feeding guidelines
Your pet’s food will provide feeding guidelines, providing you with the information you’ll need to ensure they’re fed the right amount of food. Not too much, and not too little. Depending on their diet, pet food is usually complete and if properly measured, it’s all they’ll need.
Seek veterinary advice
If you’re ever confused about your cat or dog’s diet, always speak to your vet who will be able to make a professional recommendation based on your pet’s age, breed and general health.
Limit the treats
98% of vets* believe that feeding too many treats contributes most to the issue of overweight and obese pets. Try to give affection rather than unsuitable treats as rewards!
Ignore their begging
According to PDSA’s PAW report, one of the most common factors preventing pets from losing weight is that 29% of owners give in when their cat or dog begs for food. Ignore the puppy dog (or cat) eyes, no matter how cute they might be!
Do more exercising
As we become less active, so do our pets and this can have a bad effect on their health and wellbeing as well as our own.
Keep your pet fit
Take your pet out on a walk or have more playtime around the house to make sure their exercise needs are met while strengthening the bond between you!
Free guides to preventing and recognising pet obesity
Just as it is with us humans, animal obesity is a serious health issue and can lead to all sorts of health complications for our pets. Here at Animal Friends we aim to help people understand the dangers of obesity and learn how to prevent it in their pets. We recommend you consult with your vet before embarking on a weight-loss programme for your pet.
Listen to the experts
Meet vet Vaughn
Vaughn Stoman runs the Springbok Veterinary Group based in Hampshire. His surgery opened in 2008 and developed its own rehabilitation centre including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and agility. He believes that pets have a therapeutic part to play in our lives – adding quality and a sense of meaning to us as humans.
How can you tell if your dog is obese?
Vaughn and Nelly tell us how to check if your pet is in good condition just by looking and feeling their ribs, waist and spine.
How can you tell if your cat is obese?
Vaughn Stoman tells us how feeding and hunting play a big part in your cat’s diet and how it’s different to controlling a dog’s diet.
Why is obesity in pets so worrying?
Vaughn Stoman tells us about the importance of a dog’s diet and choice of food when it comes to avoiding pet obesity.
Meet Jo an animal behaviorist
Jo is a member of the COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers (CAPBT). Jo graduated with her COAPE Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy and Training in 1999 and has worked extensively as a head nurse and a professional referral pet behaviour therapist and dog trainer.
About Jo Scott
Jo Scott, an animal behaviourist, introduces herself with cute distractions in the form of Ruby and Bear.
Rewarding your pet
Jo talks about different ways to reward our pets instead of using treats as a primary motivator.
Exercising your indoor pet
Jo tells us how to exercise indoor cats with some top tips for imitating their outdoor life.
