Pet
Food
Review

Report from the PDSA on the state of the nation's dogs

Shocking new survey results from leading veterinary charity, PDSA, reveal a new syndrome dogging UK pet owners. PDSA vets believe that ‘pet body dysmorphia’ - a condition whereby owners don’t ‘see’ or acknowledge their pets bulging waistlines - poses the biggest threat to our pets’ long-term health.

In the UK-wide survey, a hefty 71 percent of PDSA vets said that the owners of overweight pets were genuinely shocked when told their pets’ weight was a problem. Even more worryingly, 82 percent of vets say owners see fat pets as ‘cute and cuddly’.

In another blow to the health of overweight pets, an overwhelming 91 per cent of vets said that most owners don’t believe pet obesity poses a health problem; in reality, about one in five (20%) of dogs will develop arthritis in later life, which is made much worse as a result of being overweight and many will have a shorter life expectancy. Overweight pets are more likely to develop life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Most amazing of all, in a further survey of over 700 overweight dogs, PDSA found that every single owner thought their dog was ‘lighter’ than it actually was.

The findings show that ‘pet body dysmorphia’, or lack of awareness of a pet’s healthy shape, appears to be widespread. PDSA believes that the problem is hampering efforts to combat the UK’s pet obesity epidemic.

One in Three dogs overweight!

With one in three dogs currently classed as overweight, PDSA has developed a special body shape guide on its website to help owners learn more about what a healthy waistline should look like (Download PDSA leaflet).

“It’s not just dogs that suffer from obesity,” says PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury. “During my years as a vet I have seen a steady increase in the number of cats, rabbits and even small furries that are overweight.”

“This is not about wagging the finger at pet owners, but more about encouraging them to start seeing their pet’s true shape. There’s a real misconception about what a healthy shape is and increasingly a ‘tubby’ pet is viewed as normal. But it’s not natural, and thousands of pets across the UK are having their quality of life, and ultimately their life expectancy, cut short as a direct result of obesity.”

Elaine continues: “As vets, we are dependant on owners understanding the dangers of obesity and taking onboard our advice about weight-loss. If owners can’t see the problem in the first place that’s another challenge altogether; but it’s one that we feel PDSA can help with, which is why we have released the results of this survey to prompt people to take a fresh look at their pet’s shape.

“We need a fundamental change in how we approach the issue of pet obesity. That starts with helping owners to see the problem in the first place,” Elaine adds.

The release of these survey results coincides with the launch of the charity’s highly successful pet slimming competition, PDSA Pet Fit Club. PDSA is offering the owners of ten overweight pets from across the UK the opportunity to take part and is inviting the owners of porky pooches, curvaceous cats and rotund rabbits to enter at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub. The ten chosen finalists will then embark on a strict 100 day diet and fitness programme overseen by PDSA vets and nurses.

Elaine continues: “As vets we spend a lot of time talking about the pet obesity problem but with Pet Fit Club, we are offering selected owners and their pets a real opportunity to make a difference to their pet’s lives.”

Pet Body Dysmorphia - further information

• PDSA also refers to the problem as ‘dysmorphia by proxy’ - where an individual thinks that their pet is the correct shape, but it isn’t.
• Obviously, pets do not have body image problems. But as owners control their diet and exercise, the owners view of their pets shape is a very important factor in obesity prevention and treatment.
• PDSA advises pet owners to speak to their vet about the right shape for their pet.
• PDSA offers owners advice and guidance on a correct body shape for their pet at www.pdsa.org.uk/obesity.
• Prevention is very much easier than getting a pet to lose weight. A good diet when a pet is young is essential - good nutrition is a crucial building block for a pet’s future.
• Weight loss is a combination of the right diet and the right amount of exercise, so discuss with your vet an exercise programme for your pet. Build up exercise gradually, as a pet shouldn’t go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight.
• In some pets, such as cats and rabbits, weight loss must be done very gradually. If some pets lose weight too quickly, it can be fatal!
• Watch out for the treats: feeding a pet even a small treat can significantly increase their daily calorie intake.

Case study - Labrador - Tara from West Lothian

Linda Smith (42) from West Lothian was shocked when PDSA vets told her that her beloved Labrador, Tara (2) was almost double the size she should be. Tara weighed in at 41.6kg back in June but she should weigh around 25kg.

Linda says: “Tara is a wonderful dog and I was incredibly shocked to learn that she was that overweight. She is now on a diet and I am determined to help her slim down, but at the same time I am also sad that her weight has become such a problem. I can honestly say that I had become accustomed to her shape which I imagine is similar to many other pet owners who simply haven’t seen the gradual increase in their pet’s waistline.”

Tara is now on a diet following advice from PDSA vets and is making good progress. She has already lost nearly a kilogram which is great news. Before her diet Tara used to enjoy plenty of treats including chews, hot dogs and biscuits!

Linda continues: “I want to highlight Tara’s case in an effort to encourage other pet owners to take a closer look at their pet’s waistline and ask their vet for diet and exercise advice. Without the PDSA vets pointing out the problem to me, Tara would still be enjoying too many treats. Now though, she’s on a strict diet and even though she looks at me with her soppy eyes asking for food, I’m not giving in.”

Check out our information on overweight pets and what to do about them!