Podgy Pets: Is Your Pet Overweight?
Poor diets and a lack of exercise mean more of our pets are becoming obese.
Research conducted by Sainsbury’s Finance in 2010 shows that, shockingly, almost four in 10 pets in the UK are overweight. As with humans, obesity can mean a host of health problems for animals, which can prove costly. Pet insurance can prevent unexpected bills which can add to the heartache of a sick pet.
‘Overweight pets can suffer from heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, pancreatitis and depression – which can all be complicated, expensive conditions to treat,’ says Marc Abraham, resident vet on ITV’s This Morning and BBC Breakfast News. ‘It can also reduce their life expectancy and make them prone to infections and difficulty when exercising.’
Keep your pet in shape
1. Ask your vet what your pet’s ideal weight should be
2. Get advice on how to feed your pet a balanced diet
3. Try using a smaller feeding bowl to cut portion sizes
4. Don’t give dogs or cats milk to drink – it can give them diarrhoea. Stick to fresh water instead
5. A small dog needs at least 30 minutes’ exercise a day, larger dogs will need more – check with your vet
Is your pet overweight?
Look out for these signs…
- They get breathless quickly
- Their stomach sags and their sides bulge
- They are reluctant to exercise
- You can’t feel their ribs
If you think your pet has a problem, consult your vet. If necessary, they can recommend a suitable weight-reduction programme. Remember, all pets can become obese, not only cats and dogs.
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