Millions of pets facing life-threatening illnesses as owners dish out ‘treats’

Up to 12 million cats, dogs and rabbits are being given “treats” of takeaways, crisps, cheese and cakes on a daily basis which are a diet disaster for the animals, according to a major survey of 11,000 pet owners by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report is the largest of its kind ever to assess and measure the health and welfare standards of dogs, cats and rabbits, according to the charity.

And it claims the results show millions of pets are set to develop obesity-related, life-threatening illnesses if their diets do not improve.

Sean Wensley, PDSA senior vet, said: “With so many pets being fed inappropriate diets, the effect on their health is devastating.

“Many owners may think that their favourite treats are harmless to pets. This is not the case.

“As in humans, unsuitable diets containing lots of unhealthy food items are linked to medical conditions including diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.”

According to the survey half of owners say they think fatty treats make their pet happy with just two per cent confessing to feeling any guilt. But dog obesity levels are already higher than human obesity figures. Data from the Department of Health show that a quarter of Brits are now overweight, but dog obesity currently stands at around 35 per cent.

The survey found dogs are fed the greatest amount of junk food, with 90 per cent of dog owners admitting that cheese, toast, crisps, biscuits, takeaways, cakes and other fatty treats form part of their dog’s diet.

Cats have the second worst meal plans, with 43 per cent being given fatty treats while 26 per cent of rabbits are also fed junk food.

Overall, pets in Wales and the North West fare the worst with 67 per cent fed on unsuitable foods, falling to 53 per cent in London.

Dr Alex German, leading animal obesity specialist at University of Liverpool Veterinary School, said: “The PDSA’s report reveals some very worrying findings. The use of inappropriate treats is particularly concerning, especially the frequency with which these are being given.”

The PDSA is launching its annual search to find the UK’s most overweight pets to help them slim down and get fit as part of its pet slimming competition, Pet Fit Club.