Latest news with #WorldSmallAnimalVeterinaryAssociation
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Half of Britain's dogs are dangerously overweight and many owners have no idea
UK canine expert Angela Day says she is seeing far too many overweight dogs in her practice and gave advice on changes dog owners can make at home 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.'
National Geographic
25-03-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
Why raw pet food isn't worth the risk
And in light of the growing raw pet food trend, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the FDA, and the Centers for Disease Control have all issued statements advising against raw diets. What's wrong with a raw food diet for your pet? 'What is very evident are the possible disadvantages and risks, for the pet and the owner,' Varcasia says. Pets that eat a raw food diet can be exposed to parasitic infections—like Toxoplasma gondii, the leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., and Echinococcus granulosus, a tapeworm that can cause gastrointestinal issues and may be fatal if spread to humans, which can happen through direct contact with food or via contaminated surfaces. Bacterial contamination can occur too, since Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are commonly found in raw meat and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in animals and humans. A 2023 Salmonella outbreak in humans was linked to handling raw dog food, and a 2017 E. coli outbreak in humans was tied to dogs that were fed a raw diet. Now, bird flu joins the list of possible germs that can get into raw pet food, likely due to infected chickens being used as an ingredient (on farms, bird flu killed over 20 million chickens in 2024). 'Cats and dogs can be infected if they eat sick or dead infected wild birds, drink unpasteurized milk or cream from infected cows, or eat undercooked or raw meat from infected ducks and chickens,' says Iowa State University veterinary pathologist Silvia Carnaccini. How to protect your pets (and yourself)
