Pet Obesity: A Growing Concern and How to Combat it
October 7, 2024
With Pet Obesity Awareness Day in October, our nursing team at Portland Vets are sharing some alarming statistics on pet obesity. We want to raise awareness of this growing concern and help owners in and around West Sussex learn how to improve the health and wellbeing of their pets, so please do share this article.
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Headline stats:
Our veterinary nurses in East Grinstead have scoured sources from The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) to bring you a range of stats:
- 1,262 pets (76% dogs, 24% cats) were weighed in The PDSA’s Big Weigh In 2024 campaign – 45% were overweight or obese, which was 46% of dogs and 43% of cats.
- The 2024 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report showed that 49% of UK vets have seen an increase in pet obesity in recent years.
- 25% of vets ranked obesity among the top five welfare concerns for dogs alone.
- 82% of pet owners said they were unaware of their pet’s body condition score, a helpful tool which calculates whether pets are underweight, an ideal weight, or overweight.
- In the 2023 PAW Report, vets estimated that on average, 32% of pet rabbits were overweight or obese.
This might all sound shocking, but Portland Vets are here to help. Keep reading for more information or book a pet weight appointment with our nurses now.
Pet Obesity Watch: Problems, Causes, Prevention & Reversal
Problems: The impact of pet obesity on quality of life
Our nurses in East Grinstead want to emphasise the significant impact of pet obesity on quality of life:
- Excess weight in dogs and cats can lead to reduced mobility, joint pain, and increased health risks like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and some types of cancer.
- Obesity in rabbits increases the risk of heart disease, arthritis, liver disease, flystrike, and skin problems such as urine scald and infections.
- Pet obesity can negatively affect mental wellbeing, potentially causing lethargy, anxiety, or depression.
- Obesity can also make pets more susceptible to heatstroke and reduce their lifespan.
Causes: What to be aware of
1. Overfeeding: Many pet owners overfeed their pets, especially when it comes to treats, leading to excess weight gain.
Portland Vets’ nursing team found that according to the 2023 PAW Report, most rabbit owners gave treats for variety (52%), pet happiness (45%), personal enjoyment (29%), or part of their daily diet (24%). Owners also used them for entertainment when they weren’t home (15%) or to distract them (11%).
In the 2022 PAW Report, 60% of owners said they regularly gave their pet human food in some form i.e. leftovers (26%), cheese (22%) and bread or toast (10%). Portland Vets’ nurses want owners to know that human food can be high in fats and sugar and can contribute to weight problems and pet obesity.
2. Lack of Exercise Sedentary lifestyles can contribute to pet obesity too. The 2021 PAW report found that:
- 38% of dog owners walked their dog just once a day.
- 5% of dogs were walked up to 4 times a week, 4% every other day.
- 29% of dogs were only getting up to 30 minutes of exercise when they were walked.
- 6% of dogs were walked for less than 10 minutes.
- 1% of dogs were never walked at all.
3. Medical Conditions Some underlying medical conditions can cause weight gain in pets.
Prevention: How to prevent your pet from becoming obese
Our vets nurses in East Grinstead want owners to know that incorporating the below methods into your pet care routine can help to prevent your pet from becoming obese:
- Portion Control: Feed your pet the recommended amount of food based on their age, weight, and activity level. Weigh out their food so you can control their intake and adjust where needed.
- Regular Exercise: Ensure your pet gets plenty of daily exercise. This can include dog walks in West Sussex, playtime, and interactive toys.
- Healthy Diet: Choose a high-quality complete pet food that is formulated to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. Avoid feeding your pet excessive treats or human food.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups at Portland Vets to monitor your pet’s weight and identify any underlying health issues.
Reversal: What to do if your pet is overweight or obese
Portland Vets’ veterinary nurses are the best people to talk to about pet weight problems. They can help you with:
- Using body condition scoring as well as weighing scales to determine how much weight your pet needs to lose.
- Gradual weight loss plans that are designed to be both safe and effective.
- Nutritional advice and recommendations for appropriate foods and portion sizes.
- Suggestions for suitable exercise activities based on your pet’s age and health condition.
- Weigh-ins and ongoing encouragement, along with any necessary tweaks to your pet’s weight loss plan.
- Referral to one of our vets if your pet is classed as obese so they can be examined for any related health conditions.
By helping your pet lose excess fat and then maintain a healthy weight, you can improve their overall wellbeing and give them the best chance of enjoying a long and fulfilling life.
So, don’t delay, book a pet weight appointment with one of our highly experienced nurses at Portland Vets for your pet’s first weigh-in and consultation.
Book a pet weight consultation now