Obesity
In this section you can find out more about issues relating to obesity in pets and horses that may be of interest to members of the British Veterinary Association.
Background
Obesity in pets has been linked to orthopaedic problems, respiratory problems, and endocrine disorders. Reports indicate that between 30 and 60% of all cats and dogs and approximately 40% horses in the UK are overweight. The issues surrounding obesity were discussed at the BVA AWF Discussion Forum in May 2009.
BVA position
- the BVA believes that veterinary surgeons are in an ideal position to educate pet owners on the correct weight and diet for their pet
- the BVA recommends that pet owners should also record the weight of their pet on a regular basis and to ensure that it stay within the limits advised by their veterinary surgeon.
Guidance
In order to combat the problem of obesity in pets and equines it is vital that owners can recognise an animal that is overweight. A number of organisations have developed diagrammatic body conditioning scoring methods to help educate people. These include:
- Right Weight campaign by World Horse Welfare
- Health Shape by PDSA
- Pet Size–O-Meter by PFMA
More information