Half of Britain's dogs are dangerously overweight and many owners have no idea
Britain is facing a hidden animal welfare crisis with more than one in two dogs now overweight or obese, a condition experts say can shorten a pet's life by up to two years. Veterinary bodies including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association now officially classify canine obesity as a chronic, progressive, and preventable disease, warning that excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue but a serious threat to health. Dogs carrying too much fat are at far greater risk of joint pain, arthritis, muscle and ligament injuries, diabetes, breathing difficulties, and heart problems. Their mobility and quality of life suffer, and so does their lifespan.
Angela Day, a leading UK canine rehabilitation specialist and canine educator, said: 'Having a dog who is clinically obese is a welfare issue. Many owners don't realise their dog is overweight until it's already causing harm.
"Carrying extra weight puts huge strain on joints, organs, and the heart, and it can quietly rob your dog of years of life. But the good news is, obesity is preventable, with the right action, you can give your pet a healthier, longer, happier life.' Angela says part of the problem is that owners often fail to spot when their dog has piled on the pounds, with fur, feeding habits, and breed type sometimes masking weight gain.
Some breeds are at even greater risk. Scientific studies show that around one in four Labradors have a mutation in a gene called POMC, which makes them feel constantly hungry and slows their metabolism. This genetic quirk means they burn fewer calories and gain weight faster, making weight control even more challenging.
Angela says simple changes at home can make a life-or-death difference for dogs struggling with their waistlines, and shared her four key tips for owners:
Use a body condition score chart: Learn to check your dog's shape by feel and sight. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist from above.
Weigh food portions accurately: Use scales, not guesswork. Overfeeding, even small amounts, adds up quickly.
Angela said cut out unhealthy treats. By swapping high-calorie snacks for carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or tasty home cooked treats.
Build exercise into their daily routine: Even short, regular walks and play sessions can help shift weight and improve fitness.
'It's not about depriving your dog,' Angela added. 'It's about giving them the best chance of living a long, pain-free, active life. We owe them that.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Over-50s provided more donated organs than ever before last year, data shows
However, only one in four people on the organ donation register are 50 or over, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said. NHSBT analysis found there were 932 donors aged above 50 last year, making up 63% of all people who donated organs after death – the highest-ever proportion. It is now calling for more people in the age group to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register. Anthony Clarkson, director for organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHSBT, said: 'We know from research many people aged over 50 mistakenly think they're too old to donate or that their health might stop them donating. 'However, more and more research shows that organs from older donors are lifesaving. 'The reality is the over-50s are more important to organ donation than ever. There is no age limit to organ and tissue donation, and people die every day waiting for a transplant.' According to NHSBT, the rise could be down to the ageing population, public awareness of organ donation, new techniques and more research which shows that organs from older donors can be successfully used. Nick Beresford, from London, became an organ donor at 57. Nick Beresford (left) pictured with wife Angela (NHSBT/PA) He was working as the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia in July 2023 when he had a brain haemorrhage. His kidneys and liver were donated and transplanted into three recipients: a man in his fifties, a woman in her sixties, and another woman in her fifties. Mr Beresford's wife Angela, 51, a pilates instructor, said: 'Nick spent his whole life helping people living in extreme poverty, people with disabilities and the marginalised. He was a truly good and generous man. He was a fantastic dad and the love of my life. 'Being a donor gives others that chance, that's probably the most beautiful thing a person can do. 'I would definitely encourage other people over 50 to join the NHS Organ Donor Register – you could still save lives if something happens.' Margaret Humphries (left) became an organ donor in her sixties (NHSBT/PA) Margaret Humphries, from Richmond in London, also donated both kidneys after a brain haemorrhage aged 65. Husband John, a retired manager, said: 'My darling wife was a very giving person. Margaret's two children from her first marriage and I all agreed that donation was the right decision. 'Margaret was an absolute angel. It was very fitting that her last action would be to save somebody else.' Mr Clarkson added: 'Your organs don't need to be the same as when you in your 20s – if someone will die without a transplant, a healthy organ from someone over 50 will be a lifesaver.'
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Over-50s provided more donated organs than ever before last year, data shows
However, only one in four people on the organ donation register are 50 or over, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said. NHSBT analysis found there were 932 donors aged above 50 last year, making up 63% of all people who donated organs after death – the highest-ever proportion. It is now calling for more people in the age group to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register. Anthony Clarkson, director for organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHSBT, said: 'We know from research many people aged over 50 mistakenly think they're too old to donate or that their health might stop them donating. 'However, more and more research shows that organs from older donors are lifesaving. 'The reality is the over-50s are more important to organ donation than ever. There is no age limit to organ and tissue donation, and people die every day waiting for a transplant.' According to NHSBT, the rise could be down to the ageing population, public awareness of organ donation, new techniques and more research which shows that organs from older donors can be successfully used. Nick Beresford, from London, became an organ donor at 57. Nick Beresford (left) pictured with wife Angela (NHSBT/PA) He was working as the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia in July 2023 when he had a brain haemorrhage. His kidneys and liver were donated and transplanted into three recipients: a man in his fifties, a woman in her sixties, and another woman in her fifties. Mr Beresford's wife Angela, 51, a pilates instructor, said: 'Nick spent his whole life helping people living in extreme poverty, people with disabilities and the marginalised. He was a truly good and generous man. He was a fantastic dad and the love of my life. 'Being a donor gives others that chance, that's probably the most beautiful thing a person can do. 'I would definitely encourage other people over 50 to join the NHS Organ Donor Register – you could still save lives if something happens.' Margaret Humphries (left) became an organ donor in her sixties (NHSBT/PA) Margaret Humphries, from Richmond in London, also donated both kidneys after a brain haemorrhage aged 65. Husband John, a retired manager, said: 'My darling wife was a very giving person. Margaret's two children from her first marriage and I all agreed that donation was the right decision. 'Margaret was an absolute angel. It was very fitting that her last action would be to save somebody else.' Mr Clarkson added: 'Your organs don't need to be the same as when you in your 20s – if someone will die without a transplant, a healthy organ from someone over 50 will be a lifesaver.'
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Over-50s provided more donated organs than ever before last year, data shows
NHSBT analysis found there were 932 donors aged above 50 last year, making up 63% of all people who donated organs after death – the highest-ever proportion. It is now calling for more people in the age group to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register. Anthony Clarkson, director for organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHSBT, said: 'We know from research many people aged over 50 mistakenly think they're too old to donate or that their health might stop them donating. 'However, more and more research shows that organs from older donors are lifesaving. 'The reality is the over-50s are more important to organ donation than ever. There is no age limit to organ and tissue donation, and people die every day waiting for a transplant.' According to NHSBT, the rise could be down to the ageing population, public awareness of organ donation, new techniques and more research which shows that organs from older donors can be successfully used. Nick Beresford, from London, became an organ donor at 57. Nick Beresford (left) pictured with wife Angela (NHSBT/PA) He was working as the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia in July 2023 when he had a brain haemorrhage. His kidneys and liver were donated and transplanted into three recipients: a man in his fifties, a woman in her sixties, and another woman in her fifties. Mr Beresford's wife Angela, 51, a pilates instructor, said: 'Nick spent his whole life helping people living in extreme poverty, people with disabilities and the marginalised. He was a truly good and generous man. He was a fantastic dad and the love of my life. 'Being a donor gives others that chance, that's probably the most beautiful thing a person can do. 'I would definitely encourage other people over 50 to join the NHS Organ Donor Register – you could still save lives if something happens.' Margaret Humphries (left) became an organ donor in her sixties (NHSBT/PA) Margaret Humphries, from Richmond in London, also donated both kidneys after a brain haemorrhage aged 65. Husband John, a retired manager, said: 'My darling wife was a very giving person. Margaret's two children from her first marriage and I all agreed that donation was the right decision. 'Margaret was an absolute angel. It was very fitting that her last action would be to save somebody else.' Mr Clarkson added: 'Your organs don't need to be the same as when you in your 20s – if someone will die without a transplant, a healthy organ from someone over 50 will be a lifesaver.'
