A recent study by pet charity the PDSA has highlighted the growing trend of obesity in pet dogs. The increase in obesity is higher than that seen in humans, with an estimated third of all UK dogs now classified as obese.
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There are more than 3.5 million overweight dogs in Britain, according to the four year PDSA study, this figure is up from 2005 when 1 in 5 dogs were classified overweight. Obese cats are also on the rise, with 1 in 4 overweight. Various factors believed to have contributed to this trend are a lack of exercise and being fed too many treats and snacks. If this trend is to continue, it is estimated that by 2013 1 in 2 dogs will be overweight, a worrying statistics given the risks that obesity will bring.
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Obesity can cause several health issues for dogs including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. It is important to build up the exercise so that your dog can adjust to a new regime. The right diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce the health risks associated with pet obesity.
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The PDSA suggest speaking with your vet to determine what the right shape for your dog should be, as a dogs shape is evident of how much fat the dog is storing. Some owners fear coming forward to seek advice incase they are prosecuted for pet obesity; however prosecution remains very rare and is usually resulted from an owner ignoring advice from their vet over a period of time.

More than half (54 per cent) of the British population find people who own pets more attractive than those without, research by Petplan has revealed.

From 101 Dalmatians to TV presenter Davina McCall, pet dogs have helped break the ice between potential partners, which in many cases has led to love.

Petplan marketing manager Alison Andrew said it is reassuring to know that owners consider their pet's affection towards their choice of romantic partner.

Family dynamics have changed over the years, meaning pets play a more pivotal and emotional role in them, she noted.

"There are fewer big, extended families living close together so pets have become more important to us," Ms Andrew suggested.

Animal behaviour consultant Pippa Hutchison agreed, adding that the bond between pets and their owners is "astounding" as many people choose to include their furry friends in everyday activities.

Therefore, it is often important for pet owners that their cat or dog gets on well with a new or potential partner, she concluded.

The results of the survey come as research by Confused.com reveals that one in five men would forget their partner's birthday but always remember their pet's.
 

Pet owners tend to spend thousands of pounds on their pets, according to a new poll for Vet UK.

The research found pets, in particular dogs, can cost their owners around £15,000 during their lives, with five per cent of respondents admitting to spending over £200 a month on their pets, totalling up to £43,000 over their dog's lifetime.

Vet UK's managing director Iain Booth said the results reiterate the level of responsibility involved with owning a dog.

"Pets require a lot of time, love and attention, but they also need food, vaccinations and medications to keep them healthy," he noted.

Families often consider buying a pet without fully understanding the costs involved, which could result in the pet suffering if the financial problems lead to a pet being abandoned or rehomed, Mr Booth added.

The research comes as a survey by Confused.com revealed one in three employees have taken time off work to look after a sick pet and one in ten male pet owners claimed to have taken 'peternity' leave because they were concerned about their cat or dog's health.

Dog owners have been warned to look out for symptoms of parvovirus after a series of outbreaks of the disease were reported around the country.

Vet charity PDSA has seen a total of 80 suspected cases of parvo at its PetAid hospitals in Belfast, Derby and Bow in the last month alone, K9 Magazine reported.

There has also been an increase in the number of suspected cases of the potentially fatal canine disease at the animal welfare charity's hospitals in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, Wolverhampton and Gillingham.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury told the magazine that the effects of canine parvovirus are distressing to witness and it is particularly serious in puppies as they risk heart disease from the virus.

"Parvovirus is preventable through vaccination, so protecting dogs, particularly puppies, from disease and suffering should be a priority," she said.

"I strongly advise owners to ask their vet about vaccinating against this disease and about booster vaccinations throughout a dog's lifetime."

Pet owners noticing their dog is vomiting, tired, has lost its appetite or has developed diarrhoea should seek advice from their vet.

One in three married female pet owners say their furry companions are better listeners than their husbands, according to a poll by the Associated Press and Petside.com.

A quarter of pet owners said their animals are better at listening than their partners and dog owners are more likely to think their pet is the better listener than cat owners.

Among the people most likely to sit down for a heart-to-heart with their pet are women (ten per cent), single men (nine per cent) and those earning less than £32,000, the research found.

The findings come as American Pet Products Association (APPA) figures showed spending on pets last year increased by 5.4 per cent to $45.5 billion (£29.6 billion) in the US.

"People are really looking to their pets for comfort," APPA president Bob Vetere told the Chicago Tribune.

"It's the one place you can turn to for unconditional love."

The Associated Press poll also found five per cent of pet owners had taken their cat or dog to a vet or psychologist if they have "seemed down".
 

3rd April - 3rd May 2010, National Pet Month’s aims are to:

• Promote responsible pet ownership
• Make people aware of the mutual benefits of living with pets
• Increase public awareness of the role of pet care specialists
• Raise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animals

Join in with National Pet Month - find out more information at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

Young women are more likely to be cat owners than any other age group or gender, according to a small study published in the Veterinary Record.

The survey was carried out in a community in Chester and found that over half (52 per cent) of households own a pet. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) owned a dog and just over one in five (22 per cent) owned a cat, the survey found.

It transpired that pet owners who keep cats are also more likely to own a horse.

All-female households and homes where men and women lived together were more likely to own pet cats than male-only residences, the researchers found.

If the results were applied to the wider population, it would mean ten million pet dogs and seven million cats were being kept across the UK.

The authors of the study noted that fewer older people own pets, Medical News Today reported.

"The elderly are a group that may be most isolated and would benefit from the companionship of a pet, as well as having something to care for," the authors reportedly said.
 

Thank you to all of our customers over 2009.

As well as sending our charity Christmas cards, we have also made a donation to The Blue Cross to support animal welfare across Britain.

We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!

All of our home and pet-sitters are getting close to fully-booked over the festive period so contact us now if you need someone to look after your home and pets!

We offer feeding and fussing visits for small animals and overnight stays for those pets needing more attention including medical needs.

We also stay overnight to keep your home secure when there are tempting presents under the Christmas tree!

Contact us now for availability.

Droitwich Salt Day Event - Saturday 12th September 2009, 11am - 5pm

PETsits will be in Vines Park for the day's event to celebrate Droitwich's association with salt. All dogs welcome at the stand for a free treat!

The event will include a re-enactment, fine foods, entertainment, canal boat rides, stalls and markets.

Admission to the event is free!

For more information contact Sue at PETsits (North Worcestershire) at sue@petsits.co.uk