Pet Peeps Fight Battle of the Bulge
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Here’s the rub … pet obesity is reaching epidemic proportions — scores of vets claim up to 50% of cats and dogs are overweight. As a result, pets suffer health problems from painful joints to increased risk of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
In effort to gain awareness and highlight methods in which owners can improve their pets’ health, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) hosts an annual competition for a fat-fighting challenge. Eight animals from across the UK will go belly to belly in the battle of the bulge to take part in this year’s 100-day diet and fitness challenge with a combined weight of more than a sixth of a ton.
The animals in the Pet Fit Club competition include a fat cat with a 25 inch (62.5 centimeters) waist — nearly as much as a slender woman! — a 119 pound (55 kilos) Labrador and a 13.2 pound (6 kilos) Chihuahua.
In January 2008, one of the overweight animals will be crowned PDSA Pet Fit Club champ.
PDSA’s Senior Veterinary Surgeon Elaine Pendlebury said one in three pets seen by the charity was overweight and the problem of pet obesity was growing, especially among our feline friends, reports Metro.
“The rise in pet obesity is of great concern,” said Elaine.
“Safe weight-loss is possible for pets – it just takes a little time, dedication and patience.”
She added: “Many well-intentioned pet owners spoil their pets with treats and over-feed them, not realizing that they are effectively killing them with kindness.
PDSA cares for the sick and injured pets of people in need by providing free veterinary care and promoting responsible pet ownership. Photo Competitors Stephen Graham and Storm
Many animals have joint and skeletal problems simply because they weigh too much. Sometimes a pet is too fat for surgery, and if the owners cannot reduce their pet’s weight, tragically euthanasia may be the only option.
The next time your furry friend gives you the puppy dog eyes, employ a little tough love and just say NO to tempestuous treats.
If your precious pet is obscenely obese, consult your vet to prescribe a specialized diet and get plenty of daily exercise. As the fat begins to melt away, they will began to show new energy, running, jumping and playing, a shiny coat, a clearly defined waistline and much improved health so your beloved will remain with you for many more years to come.
Copyright 2007 Life in the Fast Lane Transport
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I didn’t know this problem has gotten really serious and alarming. There’s not doubt pets need to be religiously taken to their doctors as well.
I wonder whether the owners of these animals suffer from obesity as well. Maybe not, but you know what they say: pets usually take their features from their masters. It is irresponsible to overfeed the animals. But many pet owners do it without even realizing the consequences. I have this friend who feeds her dog chocolate, and I have no doubt that she means to show her love. But chocolate is poison for dogs. And there is no way I can make her see that.
I was surprised it’s become as prevalent as it has myself Sebastienne.
Hehe, yes, it’s a common saying that owners often resemble their pets Mig
That’s just it, most people don’t actually realize they’re doing a tremendous amount of harm by overfeeding their pets. It can be difficult to resist the ‘puppy dog eyes.’
OMG, does your friend realize she risks actually KILLING her dog? My husband first found out how deadly it is when he fed his pug chocolate cake — it killed him. I’ve had the same problem with a friend that visits with his brother’s dogs at times, and feeds them chocolate. I can’t get it through his head how critical it is, but told him that he was never ever to give any to our dogs. Shudder!
Hi Deborah,
I’m writing this on behalf of all the entrants in the Pet Fit Club competition as I think I might just be one of them….it’s a hard life when my owner keeps giving me all those choccy things and fattening snacks…..I can hardly drag myself around, it’s more like slithering like a snake. My heart pounds as though it’s about to give up on me, I pant for breath and I’m still only a youngster but I’m almost the size of a whale…..do you think I have a weight problem? Now if only the owners would treat pets as pets and not as offspring I would never have got into this mass of blubber that I have become.
ooooooooooh more choccy treats …..I’m off TTFN
Great analogy from the eyes of a pet Colin
I did try to explain her that, but she wouldn’t get it. It’s incredible. I am sure one they she will realize it. In the meanwhile she just say: “he likes it, don’t you see” and the dog goes on living. One strong little bastard with the will to survive.
But it is just a matter of time for problems to appear.
Now to a funny event in my dog’s life as a puppy. He was always very curious, sniffing around and such. He usually was not tempted to climb on the table, but maybe that day the smell of the milk-coffee drove him crazy. So when I turned my back for five minute (I was out of the room) he jumped on and had his first cup of coffee. I returned to find him on the table, really proud of his victory. Of course I had to make it clear to him that he was bad and I expect better behavior in the future. Then I called the vet and asked what to do. Apparently, because it didn’t have sugar, but plenty of milk, it wasn’t a serious threat. I still smile now when I remember the episode. He was so cute there and so happy. But I remember being scared too…
Well let’s hope for her pet’s sake that she doesn’t learn after it’s too late. What a price to pay for her dog who doesn’t have the senses to know better
OMG, no doubt you were scared with your baby drinking coffee! It’s the caffeine that’s poison, I wonder how the effect of sugar catapults it. Good thing you don’t have a sweet tooth for your coffee
it’s a worry Deborah…I’m sure your two pooches are as fit as a fiddle….
this award sounds like the weight watchers of the pet world
Haha, perfect analogy Kim … weight watchers of the pet world
Yes, we’re careful not to overfeed our dogs, but it is difficult to say no to that ‘look’ 
Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First determine if it is the dog food causing your dog health problems,If you have seen symptoms of an allergy in your dog or they seem to be suffering from any type of gastrointestinal illnesses, you may need to switch their dog food.You can switch your dog food type and watch your dog for improvements in these areas.
Good point, the food they eat can very much affect their weights etc, even if they’re strictly eating dog food.
Pet obesity is a direct reflection of their owners attitudes.
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