Britain's pets "must get fitter"

Posted : 17-11-2004

Pet insurer More Than has warned that Britain's pet owners must take action to prevent their animals becoming obese.

In a survey conducted by the firm 80 per cent of vets polled said they are seeing increasing numbers of overweight pets.

That finding could push insurance premiums for pets higher as the cost of keeping them healthy becomes more expensive.

More Than is suggesting owners do more to reduce the problem, as many practitioners claimed that over-feeding and a lack of exercise were the main causes behind the problems.

Vets also said they were seeing more conditions that are often associated with humans, with stress-related illnesses particularly on the increase.

The survey also found a worrying diversification between pet owners' views and those of health experts, with many owners suggesting obesity is not a problem.

However, More Than's research provides a wake-up call to those owners, as insurance premiums will rise unless the health problems of pets are dealt with.
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