According to recent research, the incidence of obesity in pets in rising. Here, Jacob Perry informs us of Direct Line findings and yes, there are overweight UK pets…
Overweight UK Pets: 2.7 million pet owners in the UK are told their pets are overweight!
With an estimated 40% of people owning a pet in the UK, it’s clearly a country that loves its furry companions. While we’re able to show our pets how much we love them in a number of ways, many owners resort to offering pet-pleasing foods that aren’t the healthiest. Pets may love the taste, but it’s not good for them in the long-run. Overfeeding is also problematic and, in the past year, a staggering 2.7 million UK pet owners have been informed that their pet is overweight.
This is according to recent research by Direct Line, which shows that 1.7 million of those were dog owners and 1 million were cat owners. This means 12% of dog owners have an overweight pet, compared to 8% over the two previous years. This marks a worrying increase that is detrimental to the health of our beloved pets.
Latest research and statistics are concerning, and those owners with overweight uk pets (or pets from anywhere else too!) should be aware that:
Vets are concerned
According to the PDSA vets’ charity, vets and their nurses estimate that 46% of the dogs they see are overweight or obese. Not only is this damaging for the animal’s health, but handling heavy animals is causing injuries to vets themselves! Many have already reported having to seek medical treatment because they have strained themselves while managing a weighty pet.
Owners are at increased risk of injury
It’s not only vets who risk straining themselves while handling overweight pets. Naturally, this is also a big risk for owners – and 1.2 million dog owners have already reported muscle strains as a result of lifting their podgy pooches in the last year. They’ve also experienced bruising and other more serious injuries such as spinal damage and broken bones. If the number of overweight pets continues to increase, we’re sure to see an increase in owner injuries too.
Some dog breeds are more problematic
Direct Line’s recent research also highlights that pugs top the list of dog breeds that are on the heavier side, with 75% of pug owners being told that their pet is overweight by a vet in the last three years. As pugs are already prone to congenital breathing difficulties, their owners have to therefore be especially careful – as obesity only makes this problem even worse. It’s not only pug owners who need to be especially careful, however. Boxers came in next; with 67% of owners being informed their dog is too heavy.
Pets are unhealthy
Importantly, owners need to realise that the animals we love so dearly are suffering the most by being overweight. One of the biggest misconceptions owners have is that offering treats and overfeeding their pets is a way of showing love. However, obesity can cause your pet a whole host of problems with their joints, heart and ability to breath. It can also cause them to develop diabetes. A recent study by the University of Liverpool highlighted that overweight dogs could actually lose over 2 years off their lifespan.
Overweight dogs could have similar personality traits to humans
Tackling the overweight uk pets problem
Warnings about overweight pets should, therefore, be taken very seriously by owners. Tackling the problem quickly and getting your pet’s weight down to a healthy level will reduce the risk of them developing health problems further down the line. Taking simple steps like measuring out your pet’s food, reducing treats and scraps, increasing exercise and resisting the puppy-dog eyes can make a positive impact. Your pet certainly won’t think you love them any less as a result. PDSA’s 2018 animal welfare report showed that 16% of dogs are walked less than once a day, which could be a contributing factor to the obesity issue.
It’s crucial for owners to take notice of the growing problem of pet obesity, to listen to vets’ advice, and to take responsibility for the weight and health of their furry friends. At the end of the day, healthier pets will be happier pets!
About the author
Jacob is an animal lover who resides in Manchester and spends his free time reading, writing, and scouring the internet for the latest trends. He also shares the project research on personal health and pet health from Direct Line.
More reading: Pet eating problems
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