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The vet charity for pets in want, PDSA, says the pet weight problems disaster wants ‘pressing consideration’ as vet groups estimate round half of UK pets are obese – equating to round 5 million canine and 4.7 million cats.
It comes because the charity launches its annual ‘Large Weigh In’ marketing campaign in a bid to sort out the rising pet weight problems disaster head on. PDSA, in partnership with Royal Canin, is inviting pet house owners to e book free weight checks at taking part vet practices nationwide all through February and March.
There are greater than 500 vet practices signed up and pet house owners can discover their native taking part follow and e book their free appointment right here: pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp
“We’re all responsible of over indulging at instances, however worryingly, 36% of canine house owners admit to commonly giving their pet leftovers*,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “And whereas a tasty deal with from time to time, when thought of amidst the remainder of their meals consumption, received’t hurt your pet, commonly overfeeding them may result in critical well being issues.
“Since our PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report launched over a decade in the past, obese and overweight pets have all the time been a problem however nearly half of veterinary professionals (49%) say they’ve seen a rise in pet weight problems within the final two years. And 1 / 4 say weight problems is without doubt one of the high 5 welfare points in canine.
“However with an increasing number of individuals proudly owning a pet as of late, particularly canine, we’re now at some extent the place it wants pressing consideration earlier than it will get even worse.”
The risks of obese pets
“Chubby pets usually tend to endure from well being issues reminiscent of diabetes and urinary tract illness – signs are inclined to develop when they’re youthful and are tougher to handle.
“Extra fats also can worsen different well being issues – reminiscent of arthritis and respiration difficulties – in addition to enhance anaesthetic and surgical dangers, all of which may negatively have an effect on your pet’s high quality of life.
“That’s why we’re urging all pet house owners to get entangled within the PDSA Large Weigh On this yr and allow us to aid you assist your pet.
“It will probably really feel like an enormous problem to get a pet to drop pounds, however belief us, it’s price it and isn’t that tough (I promise!). As soon as your pet has reached their excellent measurement and form, they are going to be more healthy, happier and extra lively. They will even have the most effective probability of dwelling a protracted, wholesome life.”
Dr Lauren Hayes, MRCVS, a veterinarian at Royal Canin, stated: “We’re as soon as once more partnering with the PDSA on its Large Weigh In marketing campaign to coach pet house owners on the essential position weight has on the general well being, and subsequently happiness, of our pets.
“In addition to reserving an appointment, there are some easy measures that may assist your pet get to a more healthy weight. I might all the time advise utilizing a digital scale to weigh your pet’s meals, as it’s stunning how straightforward it may be to overfeed. Think about swapping to low calorie treats or halving the deal with to scale back caloric consumption. On the appointment, it’s also possible to ask your vet about switching to a weight loss plan developed for weight reduction, reminiscent of our satiety diet; which has been developed by specialists to help secure weight reduction whereas being excessive in fibre and comprises the proper macronutrients to maintain your pet glad.”
The findings come from the 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the UK’s largest annual nationally consultant evaluation of pet wellbeing.
Through the free weight examine, pets’ weight and physique situation rating will probably be recorded and house owners will probably be signposted to additional supplies to assist educate them about their pet’s weight and encourage common monitoring, in addition to help with weight reduction if wanted.
There are additionally loads of free useful assets on PDSA’s web site for house owners to refer again to. Go to pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp
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