We are a nation of pet-lovers. Just like we reward our children (and indeed ourselves) with treats and toys, it’s very easy for us to show our affection by doling out an extra scoop of food into our pet’s bowl, or slipping them a few extra treats.

However, what we may think is “just a bit extra” can actually be harming our pets’ health. Obesity is among domestic animals is becoming a real problem here in the UK, and according to research by the PDSA, one third of dogs and a quarter of cats are overweight — a scary statistic that shows no signs of abating.

The PDSA attribute the trend for chunky pets as directly correlative to Britain’s junk food culture. As we reward ourselves for surviving the week with a cheeky Indian, we are unconsciously rewarding our pets in the same way. Worse still, some of us even share our treats with them.

While an overweight pet may look cuddlier, the health implications are substantial. If your pet is carrying excess weight, they will likely find it more difficult to get around as greater strain is placed on their joints, and indeed heart. The effects of this are more likely to felt in warmer weather, with our pets appearing more lethargic and irritable than they usually are. .

The above are just the visible symptoms of pet obesity — it can also lead to serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and respiratory diseases.

Your animal’s weight can be influenced by a number of factors—not just its diet. Things like breed, age, sex and whether it has been neutered or not can all play a part. However, the most common cause of obesity in pets is diet—and, as an owner, it’s your duty to do all you can to ensure they get the right nutrients in the right quantity.

This is often easier said than done so dog food retailer Feedem - who offer a range of grain free dog food - have popped together some useful tips to help.

Is my pet obese?

Before you can determine the best course of action, you must first establish whether your pet is overweight. Here’s how to examine your cats and dogs to check their weight:

Cats

• Ribs, spine and hip bones should be easily seen and felt.
• When looking from above, the waist should be clearly visible.
• The stomach should only have a small amount of fat and shouldn’t sag.

Dogs

• The outline of your dog’s ribs should be easy to see and feel.
• When looking from above, the waist should be clearly visible.
• From the side, your dog’s stomach should be tucked up.

If your pet fails any of the above checks, the temptation is to immediately put them on a diet. However, you should always speak to your vet to gauge whether this is an appropriate response, and how best to go about it. Dramatic overnight changes might not be the safest option.

How can my pet lose weight?

Just like their owners, there are two ways your pet can lose weight: limiting their diet and increasing the amount of exercise they receive.

It’s really important to feed your pet a food that’s suitable for their age, lifestyle and health status in order for them to get all the nutrients they require. Fortunately for us, most reputable pet food brands take most of the guesswork out of this with clearly labelled diet plans and formulations. Most human food does not nutritionally support cats or dogs, so should be avoided.

Owners should also better monitor the amount of food given. Whereas cats usually prefer several small meals a day, a dog’s intake is best guided by their vet. Reward your pet with extra cuddles or new toys rather than treats.

Again, it’s always best to consult a vet before undertaking a new exercise regime for your pet, but it is likely an obese pet will be required to do more. The amount your dog needs will vary between breeds. For example, smaller breeds like a pug, a bichon frise or shih tzu will need around 20 minutes a day, excluding indoor play. Larger breeds like dalmations, boxers and border collies will need more than two hours. Take a look at this graphic from the PDSA to find out how much exercise other breeds require.

You can up your cat’s exercise by encouraging them to play with cat toys. This should get them jumping, pouncing and leaping around. You’ll most likely discover their activity levels will naturally increase as they drop the lbs too.