PDSA on hunt for fat cats (and dogs)
A CHARITY on the hunt for Swansea's fattest pet is urging owners to start counting their animals' calories.
PDSA, which runs a PetAid hospital in the city, is calling on people to put forward their overweight animals for its slimming competition Pet Fit Club.
-
PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Sean Wensley said: "We know from our work with pet-owners that many view an overweight pet as cute and cuddly. What they don't see is the threat obesity poses to their animals' health and lifespan.
"Ultimately, owners control their pet's diet and exercise. The good news is it's never too late to achieve positive change with the help of their veterinary practice."
Pet Fit Club is a free six-month diet and exercise programme to help pets slim to a healthier weight.
The charity will be selecting up to 10 dogs and 10 cats to take part. Entries are also being sought from the owners of overweight small furry pets such as rabbits. A survey carried out by PDSA showed 35 per cent of Welsh pets were tipping the scales at an unhealthy weight — in line with the UK average.
Should the growing trend continue, by 2013 nearly 50 per cent of UK dogs could be overweight.
PDSA vets have warned this would mean a reduced quality of life and the likelihood of an early grave due to obesity and its related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
The competition is backed by one of the country's leading animal obesity specialists, Alex German, from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School.
He said: "PDSA is doing great work in highlighting this important animal welfare issue via its slimming competition. It's vital that owners recognise their pet's weight problem, seek veterinary advice and do something about it.
"PDSA is putting the spotlight on the pet obesity epidemic, and offering practical help to improve the quality of life of the participating pets. Previous years' finalists have achieved fantastic results."
helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk
www.pdsa.org.uk/ petfitclub
8 Comments
View all
by Deputy Dawg, Swansea
Thursday, July 29 2010, 8:59PM
“Heather, Mumbles
You must be with a chance of winning the compo if you enter it, as you must be the 'fattest' old dog in Swansea and we have many 'stained' lamp posts and cracked pavements in the Mumbles to prove it!!”
by Heather, Mumbles
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 10:08PM
“Have you got nothing better to do than stalk other people Stick 2, the subject; it isn't normal and it's FREAKY.
It may come as a surprise to you but there are plenty of people who share my views where animals are concerned. You Freak.”
by Stick 2, the subject
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 8:50PM
“Amazing how Heather, Mumbles and Annie (sometimes Gowerton and sometimes Swansea) share the same views on pets and motorists.
The PDSA centre is one unit (UNIT20) in a building that contains numerous businesses and the car-park is used by workers and customers of the businesses.”
by Heather, Mumbles
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 6:57PM
“Yes I took someone I knew to the PDSA centre too and was amazed at the new cars in the car park????
Funny how you can spend on a new motor but not on your best friend.”
by Andrew, Veliko Turnovo . Bulgaria
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 5:35PM
“Ahhhhh poor fat cats ..., they dont have that luxury out here but nevermind my two kitties [ I rescured them recently ] are still skiny but putting on wieght on a diet of buck wheat , milk and beef mince .”