Scottish dogs facing fat problem - Insurance for dogs

Posted : 08-07-2008

Scotland's dogs are suffering from an increasing obesity problem, it has been claimed.

PDSA said the number of dog owners who are "killing their pets with kindness" is growing, with the problem also being seen in the nation's cats, reports the BBC.

Official figures say dog obesity includes 30 per cent of Scottish dogs, although the charity claims up to 70 per cent of the animals it sees are overweight.

According to PDSA, dogs suffering from the condition could develop diabetes, arthritis and heart and kidney disease - which could also lead to claims on pet health insurance.

Fiona Gregge, senior PDSA vet, told the news provider: "You have the dogs who are so overweight that they can't breathe.

"As a result they've had heart problems and the owners don't notice until the dogs start panting, by which it's sometimes too late to do anything."

Ms Gregge also suggested the problem of dog obesity is entirely the owner's fault, as they are the ones who decide what and how much the pet eats.

Earlier this week, PDSA warned of the dangers of kissing pets, which can pass diseases over to owners.

Please click here for more information on pet insurance for dogs and a pet insurance online quote.


© Adfero Ltd

The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd