Pet obesity a 'significant concern' as vet warns owners not to feed dogs human food

Friday, 11 October 2019

The SPCA said 9-year-old Queenie was surrendered to one of its shelters after living in unhealthy conditions in November 2017.

When Queenie the corgi was surrendered to the SPCA nearly two years ago, she was so heavy four people were needed to get her into a car.

And the portly pooch was not an isolated case, the charity warned, as obesity was the number one health threat to pets in New Zealand.

Four people were needed to get Queenie into a car.

Research, commissioned by the SPCA, found dog owners were contributing to their pets becoming obese and that the problem was 'heavily under-reported'.

According to SPCA statistics, people between the ages of 18 and 24 were the biggest culprits – feeding their dogs their leftovers and scraps.

Queenie has lost a vast amount of weight and is happier at her foster home.

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The SPCA said 9-year-old Queenie was surrendered to one of its shelters after being found living in unhealthy conditions in November 2017.

SPCA scientific officer and vet Dr Anu Murthy warns against feeding dogs human food without speaking to a veterinarian first.

'She was so obese that she could hardly waddle around, and wouldn't let anyone touch her,' it said.

'She was uncomfortable and unhappy.

'SPCA stepped in and helped Queenie with a good diet, a solid walk plan, and a foster family to live with.'

Queenie's situation wasn't unique – with SPCA scientific officer and veterinarian Dr Anu Murthy saying there was 'significant' concern in relation to dogs and obesity.

'It is a growing concern associated with an excessive amount of body fat in dogs that causes an adverse health effect,' Murthy said.

'According to the veterinary research, dogs who are obese have a tendency towards a shortened life span and may be afflicted with other major medical issues including diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and generalised pain.'

The study found that while 78 per cent of dog owners believed they were aware of their dog breed's healthy weight, 60 per cent of the total amount of people surveyed didn't know the impact obesity could have on their dog's life expectancy.

Almost half of dog owners also admitted to feeding their dogs leftovers – with those aged 18 to 24 saying they did it every day.

Murthy said it was best to avoid feeding dogs any human food before speaking to a vet.

'The most ideal and healthy situation for your beloved dog is to feed them a high quality diet as discussed with your veterinarian.'

SPCA has organised the Great NZ Paws Walk at various locations across the country on November 9 to get dogs and their owners exercising.

FOODS YOU SHOULDN'T FEED DOGS

- Grapes, raisins, avocado, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, onions, chives, pits and seeds of peaches, plums, persimmons, apples and xylitol (sugar substitute)

- Fatty meats. Murthy says not only do they add extra calories but they can lead to intense pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea due to pancreatitis

- Raw or cooked bones may lead to severely fractured teeth, gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, partial or full obstruction of the gastrointestinal system which could require exploratory surgery

- Nuts of any kind can cause gastro upset