Pets fight the bulge

Vets around the country have teamed up in support of National Obesity Week from 15 to 19 October by offering free weight assessments in order to curb the increase in obesity in South African pets.

A number of dog lovers are guilty of spoiling their pets rotten with anything that their hearts desire. Some owners believe that their pets gaining weight is not a health risk. According to experts, pets that are overweight are at risk of developing diseases like arthritis, cancer, and skin conditions. Research has also shown that obese animals are unhappy.

Truffles, a cocker spaniel from Constantia Kloof, has made it into the finals in a national competition in the Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the year. Truffles lost 18 per cent of her bodyweight by going from 17.7kgs to 14.6kgs with the help of the Florida Veterinary Hospital.

Dr Marcus Lessing from Boskruin Veterinary Clinic is a vet who says 60–70 per cent of pets are overweight, overfed and lack exercise on a daily basis. “It’s important for owners to look into their pets’ diet plans, change their food into weight loss food or also cut down on what their pets already eat,” he said.

“We have quite a few clients who have also entered their pets into the Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year competition. I believe it is a positive competition that encourages weight loss for pets,” Lessing said.

Veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition Dr Guy Fyvie believes that owners control what their pets eat and it is their fault if their pets are obese. “We’ve forgotten what a healthy, lean pet looks like,” Fyvie said.

Readers have the opportunity to vote for Truffles and other contestants before 22 October by clicking here.