Posted on 01/06/2006 9:58:52 AM PST by floridaobserver
LONDON (Reuters) - Just like their owners, a growing number of British pets are becoming obese and face chronic illnesses such as heart complaint, diabetes and arthritis, according to research Friday.
A survey of British vets and owners showed that one in three pets, or 33 percent, were considered overweight and 38 percent of pet owners said their animals put on weight over Christmas.
Despite this, few owners plan to put their pets on a diet.
"Pets, like their owners, tend to expand a little over the Christmas period," said Frances Wright at Halifax Pet Insurance, who conducted the survey.
The survey said signs of obesity included a sagging stomach, bulging sides and a reluctance to take exercise.
About 30,000 human deaths a year in Britain are attributable to obesity, health experts say.
Cute cats. Is there anything that says "this place is warm and safe and comfortable" more than several cats relaxing like that?
informative ping!
Thanks.
I hope he's none the worse for his little disappearance act awhile ago. Did you ever find out where he went? And is his ear o.k.?
*** My vet suggested it had something to do with the hormonal changes after being fixed.***
People were denying that for years, so I'm glad to hear a vet acknowledge it.
I have two Siamese cats that are elderly (in their early teens) and I can NOT keep weight on them. They're both rather gaunt - I feed them constantly, whenever they ask (which is frequently). High quality canned cat food (Prairie premium diet) with dry food (AvoDerm) down free choice. I also treat them with ice cream, eggs beaten up in cream, morsels of steak, etc.
Wish I had that problem!
My dog is so active that she stays slim - she gets 1 cup of dog food a.m. and p.m., plus whatever doggie biscuits she can extort by doing tricks.
We walk 2 miles every other day, and 4 miles every other day, on the days when she's not competing or going to doggy class. (Agility class is the equivalent of running wind sprints for an hour or so. Retriever class lasts all day, and involves repeated 75-100 yard sprints and 50-60 yard swims. I get plenty of exercise in agility class since I have to run WITH her - in retriever class I stand at the line and shout "Good Dog!" But I do carry ducks back out to the bird boys on foot instead of by 4-wheeler . . . )
After having her now for 4 years, I've gotten her down to a very healthy 17lbs. She has loads of loose skin that spreads out when she is laying down so it's a little hard to tell she's lost the weight, but once she stands up you can see her waist if you look straight down at her.
He is still enjoying them. And they are growing fast :~D
However, close examination of them upon their 2nd vet visit yesterday showed that Pippin, the black one, is indeed, not a "she" as previously believed.
I hope it works out OK to have two toms (small 't' toms) in the house... The kittens will be fixed early next month, as soon as they are able :~D
As for the prodigal cat, no idea at all where he went, and he's not been gone more than an hour or two at a time since. I suspect it had something to do with the gypsy neighbors... he got trapped in one of their trailers or something while they were moving. That doesn't explain the scratched up ear necessarily, but I just can't figger anything else. He's too lazy to take off in the snow on adventures that are voluntary.
Why did you stick a pole in your poor dog's eye?
One more cat-pile :~D
I'm just very relieved that my older tom has accepted them so well. I haven't had this good of luck introducing new cats to the household before.
I so love that picture...much cuteness!
Is your turtle well-exercised these days, Mary? :~D
Which means that you poked her, but it's okay cuz she's an alien masquerading as a dog.
You know...that would explain a lot!
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