Pet Obesity of Significant Concern

When Queenie the Corgi was surrendered to the SPCA nearly two years ago, she was so heavy that four people were needed to get her into a car. The portly pooch was not an isolated case, the charity warned, as obesity was the number one health threat to pets in New Zealand.

Research, commissioned by the SPCA, found that dog owners were contributing to their pets becoming obese and that the problem "was heavily under-reported". According to SPCA statistics, people between the ages of 18 and 24 were the biggest culprits "feedings their dogs their leftovers and scraps". The SPCA said 9 year-old Queenie was surrendered to one of their shelters after being found living in unhealthy conditions in November 2017. "She was so obese that she could hardly waddle around, and wouldn't let anyone touch her, it said. "She was uncomfortable and unhappy." SPCA stepped in and helped Queenie with a good diet, a solid walk plan, and a foster family to live with.

Queenie's situation wasn't unique - with SPCA scientific officer and veterinarian Dr Anu Murthy saying there was "significant concern in relation to dogs and obesity." "It was a growing concern associated with an excessiveamount of body fat

found in dogs that causes an adverse health effect," Murthy said. According to the veterinary research, dogs that are obese have a tendency towards a shortened life span and may be afflicted with other major medical issues including diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and generalised pain.

The study found that while 78 per cent of dog owners believed they were aware of their dog breed's healthy weight, 60 per cent of the total people surveyed didn't know the impact obesity could have on their dog's life expectancy. Almost half of dog owners also admitted to feeding their dogs leftovers – with those aged 18 to 24 saying they did it every day. Murthy said it was best to avoid feeding dogs human food before speaking to a vet.

"The most ideal and healthy situation for your beloved dog is to feed them a high quality diet as discussed with your veterinarian."

Foods you should not feed to dogs GRAPES, RAISINS, AVOCADO, ALCOHOL, CAFFEINE, CHOCOLATE, ONIONS, CHIVES, PLUMS, PERSIMMONS, APPLES, XYLITOL (SUGAR SUBSTITUTE), AND FATTY MEATS

(Article published in The Press, Christchurch.)