Obesity message not getting through, says PFMA
More than 70 per cent of owners said they do not follow professional guidelines on portion size.
Findings released today by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) suggest there is a disconnect between owner perceptions of pet obesity and the reality.
According to the report - "Pet Obesity: Five years on" - vets feel nearly half (45 per cent) of the pets they see are overweight, while more than 60 per cent of owners believe their pet is the correct weight.
PFMA says the latest findings show existing tools and guidelines on obesity are not reaching the nation's pet owners. While nearly 80 per cent of vets believe obesity is on the rise, worryingly two in three owners feel there are more important problems facing their pets.
Furthermore, despite the fact that the majority (93 per cent) of owners said they would be concerned if their pet was overweight, only one in three know how to check this.
PFMA chief executive Michael Bellingham said: "We need to engage pet owners emotionally, helping them realise that feeding and exercising their pet to the optimum level can result in an extra two years of active life."
Overfeeding was found to be a key issue, with nearly 70 per cent of owners admitting they do not follow professional guidelines when deciding how much to feed their pet.
Nearly half of the owners to respond said they feed their pet a treat more than twice a day, and one in three admitted to using potentially toxic human foods as treats.
When it comes to exercise, PFMA reports one in three owners said they give their pet up to an hour's exercise each day.
However, a "serious shortfall" was identified in the level of rabbits and birds being exercised. The findings show 69 per cent and 78 per cent of owners respectively, believe their pet does not require exercise.
The PFMA says vets have an opportunity to help address the problem by educating owners on pet obesity. The association is urging practices to raise awareness of the issue, motivate owners and offer regular weight-in services.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
