62% of pet owners concerned about pet obesity - poll
The BVA has published tips on how owners can stay fit and healthy and encourage their pets to do the same.
Some 62% of companion animal vets said pet obesity is one of their top concerns, a new survey has revealed, which has led the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to offer advice on how pet owners can get fit with their dog as part of their New Year’s resolutions.
In a bid to encourage owners to combine caring for their dog with their own fitness campaign, the BVA has given some top tips to keep your dog at its happiest and healthiest:
- Go the extra mile – do an extra circuit around the local park or go a bit further on country walks, but remember that your dog should be on a lead in the countryside when there is livestock around
- Think toys not treats – toys that a dog can play with and get fun exercise from can get that tail wagging as energetically as treats can
- Join a club – lots of vet practices run fit clubs and weight-control clubs
- Get the right diet – make sure that your dog’s diet is right for its breed, size, age and lifestyle
- Ask your local vet – your local vet will know and be able to offer the best advice on your pet and its needs
BVA’s President, Gudrun Ravetz, said:
“It can be difficult to drag yourself out of bed on a cold, dark winter morning to take the dog out. The thing to remember, particularly if you are struggling with a New Year’s resolution to get fitter, is that extra little bit of effort is worth it, for you and your dog. The dog is always pleased to see you and keen for a walk. You have a loving companion to accompany you on your walk or run, and you’ll find the inspiration to go that bit further because you know the exercise is helping your pet too. We are a nation of dog lovers so let’s show it by spending some quality time with our pets out on a walk – it looks after their physical and mental health and it’s really good for us owners too!"
Exercise is great for a human’s physical and mental health, and this applies to a dog’s too. Taking a dog for a walk or run costs much less than a gym membership, and is much more fun and rewarding, and aids in creating a closer bond between owner and dog, which can have a great positive impact on everyone’s wellbeing. It also combats the well-known health risks that can come with being overweight such as diabetes, cardio-respiratory disease and joint pain.
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