Cut out the treats and step up the exercise to help your podgy pets

Sorry, boy. Those big sad doe eyes and that waggy tail can’t save you this time – it’s time for you to go on a doggy diet. Pet obesity remains a growing problem in the UK. With owners rewarding their four-legged friends a little too frequently, it’s reported by the PDSA that as many as 40 per cent of UK pets are overweight or obese.

It’s not cute or cuddly to be overweight either – because for pets carrying those extra pounds it can bring a myriad of health problems too.

Joint issues, cardio respiratory problems, diabetes and some types of cancer are all more common with chubby pets.

“The ideal weight of a pet may sometimes be difficult for owners to work out, but an easy way to tell whether pets are overweight is body condition scoring,” explains Katy Orton, PDSA Vet Nurse.

“If a pet is at their ideal weight, an owner should be able to see a waistline when looking down on their pet, and feel but not see the ribs. There shouldn’t be fleshy rolls at the base of the tail or around the neck.”

Like humans, pets need diet control too. Throw away the junk food and ensure your four-legged friend is eating the right diet for them.

“Rabbits who are fed muesli-style foods are more likely to be overweight as they will selectively choose the bits that are higher in sugars,” explains Orton.

The PDSA recommends feeding your bunny pelleted food as they are unable to selectively feed, so the risk of obesity is lower.

Be careful what you’re feeding your moggy and doggy too, as Orton explains.:“Cats and dogs who lead sedentary lifestyles and are overfed, or given too many treats in addition to their daily diet (especially human foods) are very likely to gain weight.

“It’s important to match your pet’s diet to their life stage and activity level in order to prevent weight gain.”

“Owners should make sure their pet is on the right food that matches their pet’s life stage.

“Neutered, adult pets should be on a diet that matches this, rather than a food aimed at puppies, for example,” explains Orton.

You might not make any friends putting your pet on a diet as Orton advises to “cut out extra treats such as dental chews and biscuits, and particularly avoid human food”.

Once your pet is on a controlled diet, getting them back in shape doesn’t need to mean two-hour long walkies either.

The PDSA recommend building up exercise to a suitable level over the course of a few weeks, and also suggestcontacting your local vets for advice and a tailored weight loss and exercise programme.