Don't share snacks with your pet

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A British study shows that pets in the country becoming obese because they are being fed junk food.

The researchers at People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) reported that there has been an alarming 10 per cent increase in pet obesity in the last year itself, and this is largely due to the fact that pet owners increasingly feed their pets ice cream, pizza and other junk food items.

This has lead to pets becoming obese and suffering from human diseases including respiratory problems, asthma, diabetes, liver and heart problems. An estimated 500,000 pets ranging from dogs to cats and rabbits are said to be affected by this.

PDSA's senior veterinary surgeon said,"A single biscuit is like a packet of biscuits, or a single crisp is like a packet of crisps.”

Giving chocolate to a pet can prove to be fatal due to a stimulant called theobromine that is contained in the chocolate. Similarly, the persin in Avocados can cause stomach upset in cats and dogs.

In order to prevent owners from letting their pets become obese, measures have been taken taken and owners may face prosecution for cruelty to animals if they do not bring their pet back to good health.

Only last year, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took away a labrador from its owners as they had allowed to reach a ridiculous weight of 74.2 kg.

Helen Briggs of RSPCA said, "Overweight animals tend to be made objects of fun, but it's a serious animal welfare issue."

The owners of obese pets are advised to get a check up to ensure that the obesity is not due to a medical reason and then get advice on an appropriate diet for the pet.

More than anything else, it is imperative that we do not treat our pets like humans, although we may show them the same level of love and respect, maybe even more, it is most important that when it comes to food matters, we remember that not everything that we enjoy and the unsuspecting pet seems to enjoy, may suit his body.