Monday, January 09, 2006

Pets losing battle of the bulge?

Fri Jan 6, 9:41 AM ET

Just like their owners, a growing number of British pets are becoming obese and face chronic illnesses such as heart complaint, diabetes and arthritis, according to research Friday.
A survey of British vets and owners showed that one in three pets, or 33 percent, were considered overweight and 38 percent of pet owners said their animals put on weight over Christmas.
Despite this, few owners plan to put their pets on a diet.
"Pets, like their owners, tend to expand a little over the Christmas period," said Frances Wright at Halifax Pet Insurance, who conducted the survey.
The survey said signs of obesity included a sagging stomach, bulging sides and a reluctance to take exercise.
About 30,000 human deaths a year in Britain are attributable to obesity, health experts say.

Comment: Learn how to feed your Cats & Dogs, the healthy way.

CW

Christopher Wiechert's Healthblogger is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. If you decide to use this information on your own, it's your constitutional right, but I assume no responsibility.

Visit our website at: www.cwiechert.com

Have your nutritional questions answered by e-mail: www.cwiechert.com/QAMAIL.html