The PDSA has joined forces with Royal Canin in a bid to address the UK’s worsening pet obesity crisis.
The vet charity, which provides free and low cost veterinary care to pets in need, will be working with the pet food manufacturer to raise awareness of rising rates of obesity – made worse by lockdown – and help owners manage their pets’ weight to enable them to live long, healthy and happy lives.
As part of the arrangement the PDSA will exclusively supply Royal Canin’s prescription and life-stage foods at its UK-wide pet hospitals.
PDSA veterinary communications manager Lynne James said: “Worryingly our 2020 PAW Report found that 8% of owners reported their dog had gained weight during lockdown – affecting over 800,000 dogs – and 6% of cat owners said their pet piled on the pounds, with 17% overall admitting to giving their feline friends more treats.
“Research has also shown that carrying too much weight can sadly reduce a dog’s life expectancy by up to two years and six months for certain breeds. However, with the right advice, a good diet, suitable exercise and a bit of willpower, owners have the ability to make a real difference to their pets’ lives.”
Royal Canin’s Sharon Hayes commented: “Educating pet owners on preventive healthcare and key welfare issues such as weight management as well as supporting pets with specific conditions with our advanced science based clinical diets will be the key focus for both parties.
“The vet teams at PDSA’s pet hospitals will be pivotal to the success of this new partnership and we look forward to developing and building strong relationships with them while helping to broaden the reach of our educational activity.”
According to the PDSA, 78% of vet professionals say they’ve seen an increase in pet obesity in the past two years.
