Obesity is the biggest health problem facing South African pets. Many owners believe a ‘little extra padding’ is not serious - but it is.
Free weight assessments this October
Overweight pets:
- have shorter lives;
- are at higher risk of diseases like arthritis,
- urinary conditions,
- skin conditions,
- heart disease and cancer; and
- research has demonstrated that fat pets are less happy.
As obesity is both preventable and treatable, why is it is such a ‘big’ problem?
A key reason is loving owners are often not objective about their pet’s size – nine out of ten owners mistakenly think their pet’s size is ‘normal’; yet according to vets, more than 50% of patients they see weigh more than is healthy. “We control what our pets eat so, in almost all cases, pet obesity is human condition,” says Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “The truth is we’ve forgotten what a healthy, lean pet looks like.”
Rather than putting your pet at the risk of obesity-related diseases, ask your vet for a professional, objective opinion. In October many vet practices are offering free #petobesityweek weight assessments. Find a participating practice on www.petobesityweek.co.za and call to book a free weight check.
