Leading Bracknell vets have launched a New Year campaign to tackle obesity in pets.<\/p>\n
Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital is running a campaign called: \u201cA little extra weight is a BIG problem\u201d.<\/p>\n
The timing is no accident, with Moor Cottage deliberately targeting a time of year when we all think about our weight after indulging in rich food over the festive period.<\/p>\n
Helen McCabe, senior health care nurse at Moor Cottage, says pet owners should check their animal\u2019s weight, too, especially after shocking statistics recently revealed nearly 60 per cent of dogs and almost 50 per cent of cats across the country are overweight.<\/p>\n
Helen said: \u201cThe UK\u2019s figures are the worst in Europe and we see the proof of that virtually every day in our Binfield practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why we are launching our campaign to coincide with the New Year, as a number of pet owners, especially those of cats and dogs, will resolve to battle the bulge with their pets in 2018.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll too often people think they are giving their dogs and cats a treat when they give them titbits and left-overs but they are actually doing them harm and putting their health at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor instance, giving a bit of cheese to a dog is the equivalent of a human eating five doughnuts or five hamburgers.<\/p>\n
\u201cLikewise, if you are having a cup of tea and share a biscuit with your dog it\u2019s the equivalent of them eating a whole packet.<\/p>\n
\u201cSimilarly with cats, a 100ml bowl of milk is like them drinking a whole bottle of milk.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople have to realise that animal\u2019s stomachs and digestive systems are far different to a human\u2019s and also that human food is not automatically suitable for our pets to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moor Cottage is inviting pet owners to book their animals in to be weighed and undergo a New Year check-up.<\/p>\n
There will also be help, advice and support on implementing a carefully controlled feeding plan for any pet that is found to be overweight.<\/p>\n
Helen said: \u201cIt can take months for a dog or cat to lose their excess weight, so the sooner pet owners start them off, the better.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur programme is tried and tested and the majority of pets do lose the weight but it is very important to stick to the regime and to cut out all those \u2018treats and sweets\u2019 which can do so much harm and damage to the animals we love.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Leading Bracknell vets have launched a New Year campaign to tackle obesity in pets. Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital is running a campaign called: \u201cA little extra weight is a BIG problem\u201d. The timing is no accident, with Moor Cottage deliberately targeting a time of year when we all think about our weight after indulging in … <\/p>\n