A CRISIS in overweight, unhealthy pets is directly linked to their unhealthy owners and their lifestyles, top vets have warned.

And they are calling on owners to take action now amid fears that there will be more overweight pets than healthy pets within five years.

The recently published pet dietary report, compiled by Dr Pamela Mason, suggests obese dogs are three times as likely to have obese owners as non-obese dogs. It also found that owners not understanding their pet’s weight was a major problem in pet weight management while the risk of obesity in pets is significantly associated with owner income as owners in the lowest income bracket are more likely to have obese dogs.

Currently research shows 45 per cent of dogs and 40 per cent of cats are overweight which is mainly due to a lack of exercise and overfeeding, mirroring the lifestyles of their owners.

Veterinary surgeon and managing director of Swindon company Pets’ Kitchen Jenny Philip said she sees the effects of lack of exercise, overfeeding, poor nutrition and not adapting the diet of ageing pets accordingly in her practice every single day.

“Increasing weight means shorter lives, stress to the joints, respiratory problems, arthritis and we are seeing a worryingly rising incidence of type 2 diabetes in cats too, similar to humans this is avoidable and diet-related," she said.

"The main factors to maintain and improve our pet’s health are exercise and diet. It’s imperative that we halt the slide towards a nation of pets who will suffer from pain and discomfort due to owners sometimes misguided or ill-informed actions that are having unintended results.

"Neutering, although recommended, also affects a pet’s disposition to put on weight.”

Hypertension has been reported in 23-45 per cent of obese dogs as well as elevations in cholesterol, while obesity is also affecting pets’ respiratory function and is associated with tracheal collapse in small-breed dogs and animal asthma more generally.

The number of meals and snacks fed, consumption of table scraps and an animal’s presence when owners prepare or eat their own meals all appear to be contributing to weight gain.

Jenny said: "Treats are fine if you give them sparingly and get properly nutritionally balanced treats formulated for the cat or dog.”

She added the problem of diet-related pet health is frequently encountered in her veterinary practice, which has encouraged them to formulate their own foods and treats linked to a pet’s age and lifestyle, under the brand Vet’s Kitchen.

"We recognise that pets are beloved companions but owners of both dogs and cats, instead of treating them like another family member, need to understand their specific nutritional requirements, according to age, activity and breed," she said.