Common health problems caused by piling on the pounds include cruciate ligament injuries – which can cost £1,578.28 to put right – and urinary tract disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Urinary tract disease costs for cats are skyrocketing to £752.06. Insurer ManyPets said pet owners are forking out, on average, £682.65 for a trip to the vets for diabetes, while arthritis costs are coming in at £476.61.
However, 51 per cent of cat and dog owners are already concerned about their pets’ weight, a separate poll has revealed. Almost a fifth are already shelling out more to tackle their pets’ fluctuating size.
The research was commissioned as part of the ManyPets “Why Weight?” report and launch of its Obesity Learning Hub.
Chief executive Steven Mendel, said: “We understand it can be difficult to resist rewarding pets with extra treats, and heartbreaking to say no to them when they’re asking for more food. But with obesity-associated health problems becoming more and more prevalent, we urge pet parents to think twice to save their pets.”
The research found that 22% of owners have had to make cutbacks to their pet’s lifestyle because of costs.
Almost half of these are opting for lower quality food brands, and 37% have reduced their healthcare spend.
But 88% believe they would be able to recognise signs their cat or dog is potentially getting to an unhealthy weight, yet only 31% regularly keep an eye on their pet’s weight.
Moreover 39% only visit the vets in an emergency – which points to an increase in weight going unchecked.
In a bid to help keep weight down, 76% do try to keep their four-legged friends as active as possible, while 75% limit the number of treats or table scraps they give out.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, found of those with an overweight pet, 22% say their cat or dog is always hungry. But 19% do not think they eat an excessive amount. Mr Mendel added: “While many owners believe it should be straightforward to spot if their cat or dog is putting on weight – it’s often easier said than done.
“Gaining weight is gradual, meaning it can be trickier to identify, especially if pets are not attending the vet regularly. With the right course of action problems can be avoided.”
