Irish pet experts warn 50 per cent of our cats and dogs are obese – but Operation TransPAWmation here to h… – The Irish Sun

OPERATION TransPAWmation is being rolled out around the country to tackle weight problems our furry friends may be facing.
Almost 50 per cent of our cats and dogs in Ireland are overweight, according to experts at Petmania.
Experts warn pet owners that even a small amount of overfeeding can be dangerous and owners need to understand "healthy weight" in cats and dogs.
Obesity in dogs can cause numerous types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, bladder stones and osteoarthritis.
Vet Dr Bobby Ortiz said: “Obesity can lead to devastating health complications like arthritis, cardiorespiratory problems, diabetes and can shorten a pet’s life and affect their quality of life.
“However with the proper information and awareness of what and how much they are feeding their pets and with the correct quantity and quality of exercise it is easily managed.
“Simple steps can transform a pet’s quality of life and I’m looking forward to sharing my tips throughout Operation TransPAWmation.”
The experts have launched the Body Conditioning Score (BCS), where owners can examine their pet's body ranked on a scale from one to nine.
If your pet scores one, it is far too thin. A score of nine means the animal is dangerously obese.
Owners need to maintain the five “Pillars of Pet Care”.
Vet Carol Doyle said: “Some owners are aware of what a healthy weight is and then others have absolutely no idea. There is very little awareness of the BCS factors.
“Many go by the ‘general look’ but they may not know the official ribs, abdomen, waist check that gives an excellent indication of a pets' overall health and condition.”
Pet owners should examine and feel the animals’ ribs, abdomen and waist.
The ribs should be easily felt through the skin. The stomach should tuck up nicely under the back legs and the waistline should be narrower than their chest. This would add up to a score of four or five.
The ideal score is four or five for a healthy animal.
Any pet that gets a higher rating may have to cut down on their food intake and increase exercise.
Petmania is inviting pet owners to take part in Operation TransPAWmation, starting with a weight-check in one of its 15 Petmania branches around the country.
And it’s completely free to join.
The online eight-week programme will feature weekly updates, a food diary, exercise and diet hints and tips plus exciting weekly health steps to complete.
Emily Miller of Petmania added: “Body Conditioning Score is a gamechanger to maintaining a healthy weight for household pets.
“Even a small amount of overfeeding can lead to serious health problems over time.
Through Operation TransPAWmation we hope to show pet owners how to recognise the early signs of weight gain in their cats and dogs and quickly correct it with fun activities, simple nutrition tips and weekly tutorials and challenges.”
Meanwhile, a vet shares the nine important things all dog owners should know.
Inside caged Jim Mansfield Jnr's glam life from party boy to dating top models
I’m 34 with a total mum bod… but I still have 20-year-old guys asking me out
‘Hot’ mum hits back at parents who say outfit is ‘inappropriate’ for school
Woman shares car mirror hack that can reveal if your man is cheating on you
©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. “The Sun”, “Sun”, “Sun Online” are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers’ Limited’s Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)

source