Owners Unconcerned At Fat Companion Animals

According to a survey of households in the United Kingdom, the majority of companion animal owners are concerned about their companion animals’ size, but most believe that there is nothing they can do about their companion animals’ weight.

The attitudes of companion animal owners about their companion animals’ weight were explored among more than 2,100 U.K. households. The major findings include:

• 62% of dog owners and 72% of cat owners believe there is nothing they can do about their companion animals’ weight.
• A report by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (2008) claimed that one in three U.K. dogs was overweight; the TNS survey for the PFMA found that 8 out of 10 owners believed their companion animal is the correct weight.
• When shown pictures of animals of varying weight, 33% of dog owners and 23% of cat owners said their animals resembled the “normal weight.”
• More than one-third of companion animal owners admit to having an overweight companion animal from feeding too many treats, while a similar proportion attributed the extra weight to lack of exercise.
• About one quarter of respondents have sought advice about their companion animals’ weight.