Pet obesity crisis in the North East
North East vets are warning of a pet obesity time bomb because owners are killing their animals with kindness.
More overweight pets than ever before are being brought into Westway Veterinary Group surgeries - and the worrying trend is reducing their life expectancy and risking their health and general well-being.
Nearly half of all dogs and a fifth of all cats seen by vets at Westway’s 22 surgeries across the region, from Newcastle to Darlington, are too heavy, with one in three household pets now classed as overweight.
Westway, which also owns the Value Vets and Easyvets chains, is running a major Weight Reduction and Mobility Campaign, from March 1 to May 31, to try to tackle the growing problem and improve quality of life.
Owners will be offered free weight checks by veterinary nurses, along with advice on diet and exercise.
Overweight pets have a shorter life expectancy by up to two years, and expanding waistlines increase the chances of pets becoming prone to diabetes, joint problems and heart disease.
Westway director Nick Myerscough said:
- “A lot of people who come into our surgeries don’t realise their pets are overweight, so it is a worrying situation."*
“In the majority of cases, it is caused by incorrect diet and a lack of exercise. Owners spoil their dogs by giving them too many titbits, treats and scraps off their own dinner plates. Then it becomes a vicious circle because pets can’t walk very far because they’re fat, so they’re not getting enough exercise.
“There are a lot of health risks associated with being overweight, including diabetes, arthritis, joint issues and heart and lung problems, so it is costing people hundreds more for veterinary treatment.
“People are killing their pets with kindness. Our message is that it is good to love your pet, but don’t love it to death by overfeeding inappropriate things.”
During the three-month Weight Reduction and Mobility Campaign, clients will be offered a free pet weight check and mobility examination with either a vet or a nurse.
Once their cat or dog has embarked on the weight reduction campaign, regular progress checks will be made.