Pet Insurance Providers Wary of Overweight Pets

Thu, 15 Oct 2009

Dog owners are being warned of the importance of keeping their pet at a reasonable weight in order to secure the best pet insurance deals . The Pet Obesity Task Force has revealed that 40 per cent of dogs and between 20 and 40 per cent of cats in the UK are overweight – a factor which will drive up their pet insurance premiums.

Overweight pets on an unhealthy diet are more susceptible to orthopaedic and respiratory problems, and are more likely to suffer complications when anaesthetised or undergoing surgery. Cats, meanwhile, are more likely to develop urinary tract disorders or diabetes mellitus if overweight. It is therefore unsurprising that pet insurance providers will want a hefty premium to insure overweight animals .

The Pet Obesity Task Force has advised pet owners to keep their animals weight in check and to be strict with food when necessary. Vets advise pet owners that a gentle rub of their pets sides should allow them to feel the ribs and hip bones, while there should be a clear indentation at a cat or dogs waist level from a birds eye perspective. Owners should also pay close attention to their pets weight if they tire quickly or are reluctant to exercise .

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