Are Pet Owners Unwittingly Shaving Years Off Their Pets’ Lives?
Our recent research has found Irish pet owners could be unknowingly shaving years off their pets’ lives by underestimating their weight. The survey of Irish pet owners found that more than three-quarters of respondents believe pet owners underestimate how many pets are overweight or obese. Despite this, only 28% of owners described their own pet as overweight, suggesting a significant gap between perception and reality when it comes to recognising unhealthy weight in pets. Almost half of respondents reported that they weigh their pet annually or not at all, making it harder to spot gradual weight gain before it becomes a serious health issue. Alarmingly, one in three owners who believe their pet is ‘about the right’ weight also report being unable to easily feel their pet’s ribs, a widely accepted sign that a pet is overweight. Dr Laura Mock Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross explains: “Excess weight doesn’t just affect how a pet looks, it can affect how they feel, how they move, how they breathe, and even how long they live. Many owners don’t realise that gradual weight gain can quietly shorten a pet’s lifespan. Carrying extra weight can make pets more likely to develop conditions like arthritis and diabetes which can be expensive to treat, as well as detrimental to pets’ quality of life.” The research also highlights how everyday feeding habits may be contributing to the problem. Four in five owners (80%) said they regularly feed treats or human food to their pet daily or several times per week, adding extra calories that can quickly accumulate, if not carefully managed. We are urging pet owners to take early action and work with their veterinary team to help pets reach and maintain a healthy weight. Dr Ciara Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross continues: “While weighing pets regularly is important, weight alone doesn’t tell the full story. Understanding your dog or cat’s body shape and condition, including being able to feel their ribs easily with a light touch, helps determine if your pet is the correct weight for their breed, size, and build. We recommend weighing your pet’s food rather than using a measuring cup as, even a small amount of extra food every day can really add up. It’s also important to remember that feeding guidelines on pet food are just that, so please ask your Vet or Vet Nurse for advice about how much to feed your pet.” We are calling on pet owners to regularly monitor their pet’s weight and body condition, be mindful of treats and portion sizes and view weight management as part of preventative healthcare. For more information on pet nutrition, see here. SURVEY RESULTS: Has your pet been seen by a vet in the last 12 months: 92% yes 8% no How would you describe your pet’s body weight right now? About Right 243 (68%) Slightly Overweight 89 (25%) Slightly Underweight 16 (4%) Very Overweight 11 (3%) How confident are you in recognising whether a pet is overweight or obese? Very Confident 182 (51%) Somewhat Confident 164 (46%) Not Confident 8 (2%) Unsure 5 (1%) How often do you weigh your pet? Weekly 3 (1%) Monthly 42 (12%) 3/Four Times a Year 149 (41%) Annually 89 (25%) Rarely/Never 76 (21%) Which do you believe is unhealthier for a pet? Being Slightly Underweight 32 (9%) Being Slightly Overweight 76 (21%) Both are Equally Unhealthy 186 (52%) Neither is Particularly Unhealthy 65 (18%) Do you feed treats or human food to your pet regularly (daily or several times per week)? Yes 287 (80%) No 72 (20%) If yes, approximately what proportion of daily calories comes from treats/human food? <10% 167 (60%) 10 – 25% 53 (19%) 25-50% 7 (3%) 50% 4 (1%) Unsure 47 (17%) When I run my hands along my pet’s side, I can easily feel their ribs, there’s just a thin covering. Strongly Disagree 39 (11%) Disagree 107 (30%) Neither Agree nor Disagree 80 (22%) Agree 116 (32%) Strongly Agree 17 (5%) Do you think vets see obesity as a problem in pets? Yes, definitely 263 (73%) Yes, somewhat 78 (22%) No 4 (1%) Not Sure 14 (4%) Do you believe many Irish pet owners underestimate how many pets are overweight or obese? Yes 281 (78%) No 14 (4%) Unsure 64 (18%)
