NCBulldog Daisy is pet slimmer of the year after losing more than a stone in weight
Cats are equally expressive, or should that be persuasive, sashaying against their owners’ legs in a time-honoured tactic to get their own way. Thousands of years of associating with man have seen domestic animals developing this outrageous behaviour simply to get their human companions to feed them.
Many pets love having their bellies rubbed but having them fully sated is more important and at the heart of the age-old, mankind-animal contract that began when we were still living in caves.
Today, film-makers are queuing up to show how our wild-at-heart pets have evolved into incredibly diverse creatures, yet it is humanity that is undergoing the real evolutionary process: our selfish genes have become decidedly altruistic towards animals that would otherwise be rivals for natural resources in their wild state.
In fact, we cannot pamper our pets enough. We are compelled to spoil them to the point where we are killing them, literally, with kindness.
NCMore dogs need to follow Daisy's example and get fit
Worrying new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance published today reveals the alarming levels of obese pets in the UK, with 43 per cent of vets revealing they have treated dogs for obesity-related conditions in the past 12 months.
Among the most common weight-related illnesses seen by vets are orthopaedic problems, diabetes and heart disease and what really concerns is that 67 per cent of vets say they have seen an increase in the number of dogs being treated for obesity issues over the past five years. The reasons why dogs are getting fat need little explanation.
Fourteen per cent of vets blame “too many treats”; nine per cent cite “wrong or human foods” and eight per cent simply put it down to “too much food”.
An overwhelming number of vets (56 per cent) put the obesity crisis down to a combination of all these factors. It is not just dogs. Fat cats are also suffering.
As Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse at Direct Line Pet Insurance, explains: “It is alarming to see that vets are treating so many obese pets.
“Being overweight is extremely detrimental to both short-term and long-term health and to see that the number of obese dogs and cats is increasing is of concern.
Owners can liaise with their vet to ensure they are aware of the correct diet and exercise regime required to keep their pet in optimal health.
The New Year provides an excellent opportunity for pet owners to start afresh, improving the health of their beloved animals.
“Following basic steps, such as providing regular exercise and ensuring portion sizes are correct, will go a long way to helping dogs and cats to lose weight and stay healthy.
“If you suspect your pet is over its recommended weight, or if its weight is causing wider health concerns, take it to see a vet immediately.”
While the obesity figures revealed by Direct Line are disconcerting, there is another statistic that shows that taking advice can reap dividends: the majority of dogs (57 per cent) treated by veterinary professionals go on to lose weight.
Daisy the bulging bulldog is one such animal. She has become “pet slimmer of the year” after a six-month diet and fitness regime.
The heavyweight pooch tipped the scales at 4st 6lbs (28kg) last spring but after joining the PDSA’s Pet Fit Club she has shed a quarter of her bodyweight.
Diet queen Daisy was so reluctant to exercise that she had to be bribed with ham to get moving.
Owner Gillian Turrell, 60, from Middlesbrough, says: “Daisy always begged for food, and has even been known to steal things out of the fridge.
“I also got into the habit of spoiling her with treats and titbits. The weight crept up slowly, and I didn’t notice how big she’d got.
“When I couldn’t get the car harness around her, and she was struggling to get up the stairs, I knew things had to change.
“I love Daisy to bits and I want the best for her, so when I heard about PDSA’s Pet Fit Club, it was the perfect solution to helping her lose the weight.”
? For pet diet and exercise advice, visit petfitclub.org.uk
? Chas Hodges’s Rock ’n’ Roll Allotment returns in the spring.
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