Three in four vets tackle pet obesity
By Anil Dawar
(Filed: 25/04/2006)
Pet obesity is becoming so common that three out of four vets have set up special clinics to deal with the problem, a survey has disclosed.
Researchers for the RSPCA found that vets were treating an increasing number of overweight animals in their surgeries.
Experts fear that thousands of domestic animals could have their lives put at risk by neglectful owners.
The survey of 143 veterinary practices found that nearly 80 per cent believed the number of overweight and obese animals they were seeing was on the increase and 76 per cent of the practices had set up dedicated "fat clinics".
Vets say that overfeeding pets could lead to arthritis, high blood pressure, liver problems and diabetes.
David Grant, an RSPCA vet, said: "People who let their pets starve are labelled cruel, but what people don't realise is that overfeeding your pet can cause just as much suffering as starving it. A fat dog may look cute and cuddly but in reality you are killing it with kindness."
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