A dog named Nuggi, weighing a hefty 53.7kg, came into the care of the SPCA in October 2021 after police executed a search warrant at his owner’s property. This case, according to SPCA scientific officer Alison Vaughan, exemplifies a growing global trend of pet obesity.
“Nuggi was at the extreme end of the obesity scale,” Vaughan told Breakfast. “But the reality is, many pet owners don’t recognize overweight animals as being unhealthy.” Surveys reveal that nearly half of dog owners consider an overweight dog to be of ideal weight, highlighting a shift in societal perceptions of what constitutes a healthy pet.
Vaughan stresses that this isn’t limited to dogs. “We’re seeing it in cats, rabbits, even horses,” she said.
She emphasizes the importance of readily identifiable markers of a healthy pet. “You should be able to see a waistline when looking at your pet from above, and feel their ribs,” she explains. “They shouldn’t be poking out, but you should be able to feel them.”
Vaughan offers a simple way to gauge a pet’s weight: “If it feels like your knuckles, that’s too skinny. If it feels like the palm of your hand, that’s too chubby.” She recommends using the back of your hand as a reference point when feeling for ribs, offering a practical way for pet owners to monitor their animal’s weight.
The solution, according to Vaughan, lies in proactive monitoring and adjustment: “If your pet is getting chubby, reduce their feeding. If that’s not enough, consult your vet for dietary advice.”
Vaughan also highlights the benefits of using “puzzle feeders”, which encourage slower eating and a sense of fullness. “These feeders force your pet to interact with their food, making mealtime more engaging and mimicking natural foraging behaviors,” she explains.
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