50 Percent of UK dogs could die early due to obesity epidemic warns charity

Waistlines at an all-time high says PDSA

Just as people’s waistlines are increasing*, so too are pets’ – and at an increasingly dangerous rate. Veterinary charity PDSA today releases its annual dog obesity league table, which paints a worrying picture of pet waistlines, particularly dogs.

Over the last four years, the charity has assessed the weight and general health of nearly 30,000 canine companions across the UK**. Over that time, the percentage of overweight dogs seen has risen from around one-in five (21%) to more than one-in-three (35%). Should the next four years follow the same trend, then by 2013 nearly 50% of UK dogs could be overweight. This means a reduced quality of life and the likelihood of an early grave due to obesity and its related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

The South West, Scotland and the Midlands are the areas with the highest percentage of overweight dogs seen in 2009, while Northern Ireland and the South West have seen the biggest year-on-year regional increase with a sharp 14% rise between 2008 and 2009. The only place to see a decrease is London - but it’s only a nominal 1% decline in the problem (23% in 2008 and 22% in 2009).

The problem is so widespread that PDSA is re-launching its annual pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club. The charity aims to recruit some of the nation’s porkiest pets and help them to slim down to give them a new ‘leash’ of life. People can enter at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub

The competition is backed by one of the country’s leading animal obesity specialists, Dr Alex German, from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School. He said: “PDSA is doing great work in highlighting this important animal welfare issue via its slimming competition. It’s vital that owners recognise their pet’s weight problem, seek veterinary advice and do something about it.

“Through its competition PDSA is putting the spotlight on the pet obesity epidemic and offering practical help to improve the quality of life of the participating pets. Previous years’ finalists have achieved fantastic results and similar success this year will once again provide real-life demonstrations to pet-owners of what can be achieved with commitment and veterinary assistance.”

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, said: “We know from our work with pet-owners that many view an overweight pet as cute and cuddly. What they don’t see is the threat that obesity poses to their beloved animals’ health and lifespan.

“Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a number of serious health conditions. Ultimately, owners control their pet’s diet and exercise. The good news is it’s never too late to achieve positive change with the help of their veterinary practice.”

PDSA is looking for the UK’s most overweight pets to take on the challenge of Pet Fit Club – a free six-month diet and exercise programme to help pets slim to a healthier weight. The charity will be selecting up to ten dogs and ten cats to take part. Entries are also being sought from the owners of overweight small furry pets such as rabbits. The diets for all of the finalists are being supplied by Hills pet food.

PDSA’s pet obesity advice clinic – top tips:

• Preventing obesity is much easier than getting a pet to lose weight. A good diet when a pet is young is essential – fat puppies and kittens are more likely to become fat adults due to the number of fat cells they produce during growth.
   
• Watch out for the treats: feeding a pet even a small treat can significantly increase their daily calorie intake. If you give your pet a treat, perhaps for training purposes, reduce the amount given in their main meal on that day.
   
• Weight loss requires a combination of the right diet and the right amount of exercise, so discuss an exercise programme for your pet with your vet. Build up exercise gradually, as a pet shouldn’t go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight.
   
• PDSA advises pet owners to speak to their vet about the right shape for their pet. A pet’s shape gives a good indication of the amount of body fat the pet is storing. Many owners aren’t aware of what a healthy shape is for their pet.
   
• PDSA offers owners advice and guidance on a correct body shape for their pet at www.pdsa.org.uk/obesity. 
   
• Some owners are worried about seeking advice for their overweight pet for fear of being prosecuted. However, cases of prosecution for pet obesity are very rare and are usually a result of owners habitually ignoring advice from their vet over a period of time.
   
• In some pets, such as cats and rabbits, weight loss must be very gradual. If these pets lose weight too quickly, it can be fatal.

Case study – Amber the cat from Edinburgh

PDSA’s current pet slimming ambassador, who won last year's competition, is Edinburgh cat Amber (13) who beat her fellow heavyweight finalists - five dogs and three cats - to scoop first place by shedding an impressive 17% of her bodyweight. Her owner, Penny Faulkner, said: "PDSA's Pet Fit Club competition has totally changed Amber's life. She's fitter, brighter and more active and is really living life to the full.

“Not only that, the process was a real learning experience for me too; the PDSA vets and nurses really helped me to understand Amber’s nutritional and exercise needs - and the results speak for themselves. Nearly one year on from starting the diet, she's still maintaining a healthy weight. I'd urge anyone with an overweight pet to enter this competition. Amber and I are testament to what can be achieved by following the advice and guidance of your vet."

Case Study – Sasha the Staffordshire Bull Terrier from Manchester

At the start of her diet Sasha (5) weighed around 25kg - making her 47% overweight. At the end of the competition, she has lost nearly 3kg, an impressive 11% of her body weight. Her owner, Margaret Dunbaven (21) is hoping to help her reach her absolute ideal weight of 17kg, within a year.

Margaret Dunbavin (21) from Manchester believes Sasha is much happier and healthier now she’s slimmed down: “She enjoys her walks so much more now and doesn’t get out of breath. I take her swimming which she really loves. I did find it hard to stick at times because I used to spoil her with lots of treats, but I got her lots of new toys to play with instead. Sasha is now down to 19kg – not too far now from her ideal weight of 17kg which I’m hoping to reach by the end of the year.

27/07/2010