Pets losing battle of the bulge

LONDON (Reuters) - Just like their owners, a growing number of British pets are becoming obese and face chronic illnesses such as heart complaint, diabetes and arthritis, according to research Friday. A survey of British vets and owners showed that one in three pets, or 33 percent, were considered overweight and 38 percent of pet owners said their animals put on weight over Christmas.
Despite this, few owners plan to put their pets on a diet. "Pets, like their owners, tend to expand a little over the Christmas period," said Frances Wright at Halifax Pet Insurance, who conducted the survey. The survey said signs of obesity included a sagging stomach, bulging sides and a reluctance to take exercise.

There's one word for this situation: irresponsibility. YOU are responsible for what your pet eats and whether your pet gets enough exercise. Dogs want to be healthy but we don't understand calories and fat intake. Food is hard to resist. Don't stuff your pets with table scraps and pizza crusts.

To learn more, download the free Canine Obesity Prevention Pack from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.