We all know how easy it is to pile on the pounds over the festive season, but the battle of the bulge is also a big problem for our furries. Here Burgess vet Suzanne Moyes gives her tips on tackling the weighty issue of pet obesity…
Regular weigh-ins, portion control and calorie counting. While these terms might naturally be part of our New Year diet mantra – we also need to seriously consider them as part of our pet’s diet.
According to the latest PDSA Paw Report, while 94 per cent of pet owners recognise they have overall responsibility to learn about their pets’ dietary needs, many are continuing to guesstimate food portions.
Up to 27 per cent of cat owners continue to use ‘common sense’ when deciding how much to feed their cats, says the report, with 2.6 million dogs receiving scraps or leftovers as their main meal rather than a calorie controlled food, and the majority of pet owners offering regular ‘treats’ as part of their pet’s main diet.
Add to this a lack of exercise – particularly for hutch animals such as rabbits – and it can be a recipe for obesity.
So what can you do to ensure your pets stay lean?
A good place to start is weighing food using measuring cups, says Burgess veterinary innovations manager Suzanne Moyes – particularly when multiple people in the home are feeding the pet – and keeping track of your pet’s weight with regular vet weigh-ins or keeping records at home.
“While weighing your pet is important, don’t get hung up on what the scales say but focus on whether progress is being made. And, once you’ve installed a healthy lifestyle regime for your pet, it might even rub off on you!”
Suzanne’s six trim tips for pets
- Use puzzle feeders or food balls – these slow down how quickly the animal eats their food and encourages movement and greater enrichment.
- Feed in different locations – rather than putting a full ration into a bowl, put some upstairs or in another room to encourage movement.
- Take all food into consideration – it’s not just main meals that contribute to your pet’s weight: treats, training aids and leftovers all contain calories too. Cats are also likely to be hunting outdoors so reduce their food if you think they have supplemented with wild treats over the day!
- Beware of bulging bunnies – it’s not just cats and dogs that can pile on the pounds, rabbit and guinea pigs can easily become overweight too. Encourage a high intake of fresh, good quality eating hay, mixed with a few herbs and a small measured portion of nuggets, and look out for signs of obesity such as an unkempt coat or difficulty breathing.
- Make exercise fun – encourage play with balls and toys and make a large but secure run for your rabbit. Where safe and appropriate, let your dog have some off-lead time.
- Get a Size-O-Meter – ask your vet for a body condition score chart (you can also download them via www.pfma.org.uk), which will help everyone in the household recognize any issues and follow progress.