One in Three Scottish Dogs Overweight

Thu, 16 Jul 2009

A survey from the PDSA has revealed that one third of Scottish dogs are overweight, with Glasgow a particular problem area. Half of Glasgow’s dogs were found to be overweight in the survey carried out last year, with around 700 pet dogs studied as part of the survey. The animal charity blamed deluded owners for the rise in the number of overweight pets, claiming owners see their overweight pets as ‘cute and cuddly’.

Senior vet at the PSDA, Elaine Pendlebury, warned that the problem wasn’t exclusive to dogs, but animals such as cats, rabbits and small rodents are also suffering from carrying excess baggage. This can be dangerous, warned Mrs Pendlebury, as obesity can cut short a pets life expectancy. Vets have warned of the futility of castigating pet owners for allowing their animals to become overweight, instead advocating an approach of encouraging them to have their pet lose weight.

The findings of another PDSA survey found that pet owners may not realise their pets are overweight. Three out of four pet owners do not realise their animals are overweight according to the survey, with large dogs able to carry as much as an extra three stone without owners realising the animal to be overweight.

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