A study of more than 100 veterinary professionals suggests their daily case loads are weighed down with a host of serious “man-made” dietary-related problems including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, simply because owners are not feeding their pets appropriately. What’s more, these problems are on the increase as a result of owners switching to lower quality food – or feeding a man-made diet of crisps and chocolate as in the case of Barney the 70kg dalmatian uncovered recently.

“As a nation, our modern lifestyles of fast food, large food portions, and too little exercise are taking a toll on our health, our children’s health, and now our pet’s health. Excessive calories and lack of physical activity are leading to alarming rates of obesity, which has become the most common form of malnutrition in pets today. As the links between obesity and disease are becoming clearer, it is vital that pet owners adopt healthier practices such as feeding appropriate portions of food, avoiding too many snacks and treats, and exercise with their pets,” said Pet Obesity Task Force Committee Member and Veterinary Nutritionist, Dr Daniel Chan, DVM, DACVECC, DACVN, MRCVS.

Alarmingly, despite obesity being the most physically obvious diet related disease in the UK, the vet professionals who participated in the Hill’s Pet Nutrition study agreed unanimously that owners do not realise their much-loved but overweight pet is actually suffering from malnutrition. If the most physically obvious diet related disease is not recognised as a health problem, little wonder vets have such concern regarding the more ‘silent’ yet no less deadly diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The vet professionals were also in agreement that not all pet foods are the same, believing to some degree you get what you pay for. Yet worryingly, 83% of vet professionals believe our pet’s health has been another casualty of the economic downturn, as cutbacks in the family budget saw trading-down on pet food. Vets suggest the effects of these cutbacks will lead to increases in cases of diet related diseases in the next two years, with a surge in potentially fatal conditions such as diabetes (61%), intestinal problems and pancreatitis (66%).

Adrian Pratt BVSc MRCVS, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Veterinary Affairs Manager, said: “The results make sombre reading. Almost all (98%) of the vet professionals who participated report seeing a host of preventable diseases in practice which are the result of inappropriate feeding. While obesity tends to be caused by an excess of ‘empty calories’ and too little exercise, inadequate nutrients or excess nutrients like salt, will also affect a pet’s general health and wellbeing, leading to sickness or long-term diet related diseases.”

Other findings of the study include:

· Diet-related problems that cause suffering on the most widespread scale include problems in the intestines and pancreas, which 40% of vet professionals saw at least once a day in practice. Pancreatitis is one of many dietary-related diseases that can be fatal.

· Vet professionals expect to see an increase in diseases associated with malnutrition such as kidney disease (55%), lower urinary tract disease and urolithiasis (58%), heart disease and high blood pressure (30%). Over half (56%) also anticipate an increase in growth abnormalities and/or skeletal deformities and skin diseases (51%). All of these conditions can be avoided or managed with the appropriate diet.

· On the point that you are what you eat, 93% of vet professionals agree that this is relevant to pets just as it is in humans.

· More than three-quarters of vet professionals agree that feeding quality will save money in the long term.

· In addition to trading-down on foodstuffs, owners have been tightening the purse strings and cutting back on vaccinations, worming and flea treatments (80%), routine surgeries, such as neutering (51%) and pet insurance (50%).

The study was conducted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, global leaders in pet food and makers of Hill’s Science Plan, one of the few products available in the UK that provide specifically tailored nutrition to ensure that pets receive the optimal range of nutrients, every day.

Click here or below to shop at GJW Titmuss for Hill’s products.

Being both overweight and underweight can increase your pet’s chances of developing serious health problems. But as every pet owner will know, it can be hard to spot the signs of weight change in our beloved animals and it’s often even harder to keep a track of their eating habits. Despite a growing number of out of shape pets, the study carried out by PURINA reveals that almost two thirds [60%] of owners have never considered any dietary change. *

So how do we make sure our pets stay the correct weight? In this video with vet Zara Boland offers three simple steps you can do at home to help you recognise if your pet has a weight problem. Using the PURINA Body Condition Tool, Zara shows you how by looking at the ribs, waistline and tummy, Zara shows you how to be sure your pet is a healthy size and weight.

No need to bring them your animal, as all they need is a small sample of your animals’ hair/tail/fur together with personal information. You will be sent a ‘Personal Care Information Pack’.

This unique service is used for scanning health issues such as:

- Weight and Diet - Obesity
- Food Allergies
- Digestive Problems
- Emotional and Mood Behaviour
- Stress and Anxiety
- Skin Conditions
- Sleeping problems
- Non Food Allergens
- Arthritis
- Toxin Clearance
- Structural Problems
- Parasites and other Pathogens

Specialising in natural remedies, their philosophy is based on treatments which are holistic such as Shiatsu, Meridian Balancing, Reiki, hypnosis and other natural therapies.

For further information

www.complementaryanimalhealth.co.uk
Contact Lesley on 07899088438 or 01306 713077
Email:info@complementaryanimalhealth.co.uk

There are three basic categories of pet insurance. These are:

- Pet cover limited by year
- Pet cover limited per condition
- Pet cover limited per condition for a maximum of 12 months.

When buy pet insurance it is very important to know exactly what you are buying since if your pet develops a serious illness it could be disastrous if your claim is limit is reached and you are unable to obtain pet insurance elsewhere.

Pet Cover Limited by Year

This is one of the best types, although likely to be the most expensive since each condition or claim will be paid up to an annual maximum. If you continue to pay your premiums then you can continue to claim for the same condition indefinitely. Of course, premiums may rise over time.

Pet Cover Limited per Condition

Each condition is insured up to a maximum cash mount. Once the limit is reached no more claims can made for that particular condition.

Pet Cover Limited per Condition for 12 Months

Policyholders can claim up to a maximum sum insured for any one condition for up to 12 months after diagnosis. After this time no further claims can be made for that condition.

Though this animation has a light side to it, it still carries a very serious message, and we are really keen for this to be highlighted.

Pet obesity is a growing concern, and RSPCA want to raise awareness and get people to start thinking and talking about this issue. Especially during the festive season, is giving your pets treats under the dining table a nice or cruel thing to do? Do we actually know when our pets are overweight? And what do we do to combat this problem?

See www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk

A startling fact found in research done by Sainsbury’s Finance in September, shows that 1.6 million pet owners have had to put down at least one pet dog or cat in the last five years because of not being able to cover a vet bill. To avoid this unnecessary heartache many are looking into getting lifetime policies for their pets.

As budgets tighten in the recession, families are cutting back on meals out, luxury food items and next year’s holiday. However, it seems that these same families are making a big effort to purchase pet insurance as a precaution.

Elaine Fairfax, Founder and MD of Animal Friends, commented: “More claims are made for pet related illness rather than accidents. Similarly, insurers are reporting that they find claim ratios are 1 in 4 and often as high as 1 in 3 for pets requiring veterinary treatment each year. Another important fact is that veterinary fees are rising faster than inflation and pet insurance claims are made more frequently than other household or car insurance claims.”

“With Christmas just around the corner there will be many new pet owners and it is even more important at a time like this that the annual message gets across: there is a cost to caring for pets. People wanting impartial advice on pet insurance can visit www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cut-pet-insurance-costs,” added Elaine.

Animal Friends are unique in the pet insurance sector as they are a not-for-profit company. All their net profits made from the sale of pet insurance policies go directly to charities which help animals in need. The charities that they provide aid to are worldwide and include Animal Asia, The Born Free Foundation, donkey and horse sanctuaries in Israel and the Gambia along with many others including smaller charities such as Somerset and Dorset Rescue and Woodlands Animal Sanctuary.

The company offers several levels of cover ranging from just a few pounds per month to comprehensive full lifetime policies to help protect pet owners against unforeseen medical expenses for ongoing conditions such as arthritis and to give them peace of mind.

In a recession charitable donations are hit hard too. In response to this, Animal Friends has teamed up with The Mayhew Animal Home, one of the busiest animal sanctuaries in London, rescuing thousands of animals from cruelty and neglect each year. To help the Mayhew’s important work, Animal Friends Insurance will be donating £5 for every policy sold when a pet insurance purchase is made right until the end of December 08, a buyer just has to give the promotional code MAY1 at the time of purchase to trigger the donation. So whether you phone Animal Friends Insurance to buy a policy - or buy online - mention the promotional code MAY1 and Animal Friends will earmark £5 towards this worthy cause on your behalf. The web site can be found at www.animalfriends.org.uk.

In a report in the Dereham Times of Norfolk, David Green, spokesman for the RSPCA said, “The vast majority of responsible pet owners do get insurance. But people often do not appreciate the cost of vet treatment. People are out of touch with what it can cost. Insurance is a relatively small outlay in comparison.”

Fireworks displays will be taking place across the country around  Guy Fawkes night, causing many cats and dogs to experience high levels of fear, anxiety and apprehension. Just as it is the herbal supplement of choice for many anxious flyers, valerian could also help cats and dogs over come their Fireworks Night nerves.

The herbal remedy, which is extracted from the roots of a riverside plant, was used by ancient Greeks for its calming properties and continues to be popular today as it helps relax the body without any of the side effects associated with pharmaceutical sedatives such as valium. And pet owners today are increasingly seeing the benefits as they realise that when it comes to calming down Fluffy, valerian really is the cat’s whiskers.

Valerian is available from Boots, Waitrose and all good independent health food stores and pharmacies.