Revealed: Britain’s FATEST dog breeds – vets warn half of puppies are now obese

It’s something that is often seen as cute.

But carrying a few extra pounds can put your dog at risk for a number of health problems, including heart disease, osteoarthritis and diabetes.

Now a report has revealed how many dogs in Britain are classified as obese.

Researchers from UK Pet Food warn that 50 percent of dogs are overweight, with four popular breeds topping the list.

Dr. Dan O’Neill, senior lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal College of Veterinarians, said: ‘To beat your enemy, you must know your enemy. Obesity is the enemy of our dogs’ health.’

Research has shown that there is a huge gap in the UK between the way owners and vets view the size of their pets.

While 77 percent of owners think their pet is a healthy size and weight, as many as 30 to 50 percent of pets seen by veterinarians are actually overweight or obese.

In their new study, researchers surveyed 148 veterinarians about the pets coming to their clinics this year.

The results showed that 50 percent of dogs are currently overweight or obese – an increase of five percent from 2014.

By breaking down the results by breed, the researchers identified four breeds with a higher risk of obesity.

These are pugs, beagles, golden retrievers and English springer spaniels.

The report also shows that 43 percent of cats are overweight – an increase of three percent compared to 2014.

Dr. Nathalie Dowgray, head of ISFM, said: ‘The opportunistic nature of their feeding behavior means they can still benefit from food even when they are not hungry.

‘If we apply this to the domestic environment, we have a species… that lives a much more sedentary lifestyle (without having to hunt for food), that we feed a concentrated diet.

‘When you look at it that way, it’s a wonder more cats aren’t obese!’

Nearly a third (31 percent) of small mammals – including rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters and mice – are overweight, according to the figures.

‘Small mammals face many of the same challenges and consequences as dogs and cats when it comes to obesity, but these are often exacerbated by their small size, the way they are fed and the environment in which they are kept, which can vary of how they evolved,” says pet nutrition consultant Dr. Christine Huggett.

Meanwhile, nine percent of pet birds carry excess pounds, according to the report.

‘Obesity is a common problem in pet birds and can be linked to the provision of seed-based diets that allow selective feeding of the high-fat components, coupled with a lack of exercise: the so-called ‘perch potato’,’ explains Vicki Baldrey. , lecturer in exotic species and small mammal medicine and surgery.

‘Obesity in pet birds leads to a higher risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis, liver disease, tumors and arthritis.

‘The presence of feathers can hinder the ability to assess body condition from a distance and some birds may not tolerate their being handled for assessing body condition.’

The researchers hope the findings will encourage pet owners to keep track of their pets’ weight and take steps to keep them in shape.

Cat Henstridge, veterinary surgeon and veterinary influencer, added: ‘Fat cats, chubby rabbits and fat dogs have unfortunately become the norm in our pet population, significantly reducing both their quality and lifespan.

‘Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease, making weight loss a challenge for any pet.

‘However, given the serious health risks, it is crucial that we, as pet care experts, support owners in helping their pets shed those extra pounds.’