That's one fat cavalier!!
From an Australian newspaper: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23900582-2862,00.html
From an Australian newspaper: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23900582-2862,00.html
Victorians are killing their pets with kindness
Article from: Sunday Herald
Submit comment:Submit comment
Eleni Hale
June 22, 2008 12:00am
The RSPCA says 41 per cent of dogs and 33 per cent of cats face shorter lives and chronic illnesses because they are too fat.
Owners who give their fast-food leftovers to their pets are believed to be a big part of the problem.
Australian Veterinary Association Victoria president Roslyn Nichol said owners overfed pets out of love. But overfeeding could cut life expectancy by 20 per cent.
Charlie, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, is almost two years old and weighs 18.6kg - three times the recommended weight.
Owner Georgie Church said she overfed Charlie because she felt guilty for leaving Charlie alone when she went to work.
"I didn't do it (make him fat) on purpose, I just wanted him happy," she said.
Her dog has arthritis and is on a strict regimen of nightly walks, diet food and no snacks.
Dr Nichol said the number of overweight pets was startling. She warned owners to act before it was too late.
"The reason for pet weight gain is the same as humans," Dr Nichol said.
"They eat too much.
"It's very rare you see a medical condition causing weight gain. It's usually a case of more calories in than used.
"And the animals are not feeding themselves. They are not the ones taking themselves to the supermarket."
Overweight pets are at risk of heart disease, skeletal and breathing problems, skin disease, diabetes and arthritis.