UK pet insurance warns for pet obesity

According to a research study carried out by the
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, some 81% of animal physiotherapists think
obesity is the number one health danger for dogs. Almost two-thirds of the
physiotherapists believe the main causes of the rise in canine obesity are lack
of exercise and overfeeding.

Human snacks
Claire
Moyles, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance Manager said: “Many pet owners may like to
treat their animals with food and snacks intended for human consumption, but
they must be aware of the detrimental effect this can have on their pet’s
health. Treats such as chocolate can not only lead to obesity but when ingested
in large amounts can even have serious effects on an animal’s pancreas and
heart.

“Overfed, obese animals often suffer from diabetes, osteoarthritis
and other conditions that require a long-term course of veterinary treatment and
their life expectancy can also be reduced dramatically. “Owners concerned about
their pets’ weight should consider feeding their animals from the growing range
of nutritionally balanced, low-calorie, organic or additive and preservative
free pet foods.”

Money spent
New research from Sainsbury’s Pet
Insurance reveals that 422,800 dog owners and 202,100 cat owners spend around
£516 a year on pet food for a single animal, the equivalent of either 1,613
pouches of dog food or four a day, and 2,345 pouches of cat food or six a
day.
The average annual amount of money spent on feeding a dog is £209, the
equivalent of 653 pouches or 550 cans of dog food. For a cat, it is £167, the
equivalent of 795 pouches or 491 cans of cat food.

Related
websites:
British Small Animal
Veterinary Association
Sainsbury Bank  
Chartered Society of
Physiotherapy