Dog obesity ‘epidemic’ sweeping the UK

A dog obesity ‘epidemic’ is sweeping the UK and putting pooches at risk, a new report reveals.

The study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) reveals that around one in 14 dogs in Britain are found to be overweight during their visits to the vet.

Not every overweight dog will receive the help they need to shed the pounds and become healthy, and there are concerns that these findings discovered by RVC’s VetCompass programme may only be the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to the health of dogs.

The study found that canines that were middle-aged and neutered were more likely to be overweight, because the changes in hormones after this process may result in “behaviour changes, specifically increased appetite and decreased physical activity, leading to a tendency to gain weight”.

Camilla Pegram, VetCompass epidemiologist at the RVC and author of the paper, said: “This study has used the power of big data to robustly address the risk factors for obesity in dogs. Pugs, Beagles and Golden Retrievers were at greatest risk of obesity compared with crossbreeds.

“As well as genetics, management style could in part drive these breed predispositions. Whilst veterinary professionals and owners should focus efforts on obesity prevention strategies in all dogs, those identified at high-risk, such as Pugs, Beagles and Golden Retrievers, may need a more targeted approach.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, senior lecturer, Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and another co-author of the paper, added: “To defeat your enemy, you need to know your enemy. Obesity is the enemy of the health of our dogs.

“This new study identifies the breeds and ages of dogs that are most susceptible to obesity; we can use this information to defeat obesity.”