Step onto the scale Fido

THIS year, in support of National Obsesity Week, animal docs urge you to focus on your plump pet rather than your own midriff.

Vets are warning obesity is the biggest health problem affecting South African pets.
Many owners believe a ‘little extra padding’ is not serious – but it is.

Overweight pets have shorter lives; are at higher risk of diseases like arthritis, urinary conditions, skin conditions, heart disease and cancer.
Research has also demonstrated that fat pets are less happy.
The key reason is loving owners are often not objective about their pet’s size.
Nine out of ten owners mistakenly think their pet’s size is ‘normal’ while according to vets, more than 50% of patients they see weigh more than what is healthy.

‘We control what our pets eat so, in almost all cases, pet obesity is human condition,’ said Hills Pet Nutrition veterinary advisor Dr Guy Fyvie.

‘The truth is we’ve forgotten what a healthy, lean pet looks like.’
Rather than putting your pet at the risk of obesity-related diseases, ask your vet for a professional, objective opinion.

In October many vet practices are offering free pet obesity week weight assessments.
Find a participating practice on www.petobesityweek.co.za and call to book a free weight check.