8 October 2008

There is a growing obesity epidemic among UK pets, according to new research.

Vets suggest that four in ten of the cats and dogs they treat are overweight.

Dogs are more likely to be overweight than cats, Sainsbury's national survey of veterinary surgeons revealed.

Some 47 per cent of dogs seen by vets are overweight, compared to 39 per cent of cats.

A quarter of dogs are classed as obese while 21 per cent are overweight. In cats, 19 per cent can be described as obese with 20 per cent fitting into the "slightly overweight" category.

Vets expressed concern as obesity and weight gain can be linked to a number of other health problems including heart disease, osteoarthritis and diabetes.

Neal Devine, Sainsbury's pet insurance manager, said that the research was "worrying" and advised pet owners to monitor what their cats and dogs eat.

"People often think they are being kind to their pet by giving it treats, but being overweight can influence and worsen many medical conditions in pets, such as osteoarthritis and respiratory disorders, conditions that can be very uncomfortable for the animal," he added.