PET OBESITY: A GROWING NATIONAL CONCERN

Pet obesity has been on the rise for over a decade, and in the UK, it has now reached epidemic proportions. As veterinarians, we urge pet owners to take excessive weight gain and obesity in pets seriously. This growing issue is not just cosmetic—it’s a critical welfare concern. Obesity can shorten your pet’s life, increase the likelihood of disease, and impair their ability to enjoy everyday activities like exercise.

The health risks of pet obesity
Obesity in pets can lead to serious health complications or worsen existing conditions, drastically affecting both their quality and length of life. Some of the most common health risks include:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Respiratory problems
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Certain cancers
• Osteoarthritis and joint degeneration
• Bladder stones

Additionally, obesity can sometimes signal underlying medical issues such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or Cushing’s disease (overactive adrenal glands).

Recognising obesity in your pet

Obesity occurs when excess body fat negatively impacts your pet’s health and quality of life. Pets are considered overweight if they weigh 10–20% above their ideal weight and obese if they exceed their ideal weight by 20% or more.

Since weight gain often happens gradually, it can be difficult for owners to notice. However, early recognition can prevent severe obesity and related health issues.

To assess your pet at home, look for the following signs:

• Ribs: Can you feel them? If not, your pet may have excess fat.
• Spine: A noticeable “fat pad” might cover their back.
• Tummy: A sagging, bulging belly that wobbles when they move is a key indicator.
• Face, legs, and neck: Fat pads in these areas are common in obese pets.

If you suspect your pet may be overweight, book onto a FREE weight clinic with one of our RVNs. On your first visit to the weight clinic, your pet will be weighed and their body condition assessed. We will also discuss your pet’s current diet, treats and exercise levels. From this information an initial target will be created, which may change throughout the journey following regular assessments. An initial easy-to-follow feeding and exercise plan will be created for your pet using the information obtained. Don’t worry, treats can still be worked into this plan!

By addressing pet obesity, you’re not just helping your furry friend live longer—you’re giving them the chance to live a happier, more active life.

SILVER CAT FRIENDLY STATUS FOR LYTHAM ROAD

Taking your cat to the vet can be a stressful experience, both for your feline friend and for you as their caregiver. Cats are often delicate and shy creatures that thrive in quiet, familiar environments. As territorial animals, they can feel unsafe in unfamiliar settings, which leads to stress, anxiety, and fear. New sights, sounds, and particularly smells can overwhelm them, making trips to the vet even more challenging.

Cats can’t understand that a visit to the vet is for their own well-being, and you can’t reassure them that everything will be fine. So, when it’s time to leave the safety of home for a check-up, test, or procedure, it may seem like a daunting task – especially if you know your cat doesn’t enjoy the experience.

The process can be equally nerve-wracking for you. Trying to coax an uncooperative cat into the carrier, with their legs stretched out in protest, is never easy. Their distressed meowing during the journey can make you feel bad, and if they’re particularly anxious, you may even find vomit or faeces in the carrier upon arrival.

In the consultation room, your normally gentle cat might hiss, swipe, or show other signs of distress during the examination. To make matters more difficult, the vet may send you home with medication, asking you to give tablets to your already upset and angry cat.

That is why we signed up to the Cat Friendly Clinic programme, designed to help address these issues, reducing the stress for cats and making veterinary visits easier for owners as well. We take great care to ensure that our feline friends feel as comfortable as possible in all our practices and are very proud to have recently achieved ‘silver’ status for our Lytham Road branch.

All our staff are trained to handle cats with care and patience. We will give your cat time to adjust to the practice surroundings and approach handling in a gentle and reassuring manner.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SILVER STATUS?

We have recently achieved silver status due to the extra measures we have put in place for our feline patients. All the requirements for bronze status have been met, including:

• All veterinary staff need to have up-to-date knowledge about caring for cats.
• A named Cat Advocate at the practice who ensures that the standards are being maintained.
• Handling all cats in a low-stress way.
• A cat-only waiting area, or consulting times separate from dogs should be available.

Additional requirements for silver status include:

• A cat-only waiting area, including measures to prevent cats from seeing or hearing dogs.
• A dedicated cat hospitalisation ward must be available and there are specific requirements for the sizes of kennels and facilities provided.
• More equipment for performing surgery and diagnostics is required.
• How can you improve your cat’s experience of going to the vet?
• Using our cat-friendly clinic can improve your cat’s experience of vet appointments considerably, but improvements can be made at home before the visit.

HOW TO SPOT IF YOUR PET IS IN PAIN

Animals experience pain in much the same way as humans do, although some people argue that pain may be more distressing for animals as they “live in the moment” and don’t know that the pain can be treated and will eventually go away.

Many animals are notoriously good at concealing their pain – a behaviour rooted in survival instincts from their wild ancestors. In the wild, showing pain can be seen as a weakness, making an animal more vulnerable to predators. This instinct persists in domesticated animals, meaning they may not always display obvious signs when they are suffering. Recognising early signs of pain in your pet is important so that you can address the causes and get the appropriate treatment for them.

HOW CAN I HELP MY PET IN PAIN?

If you spot any of the signs that your pet may be in pain, contact us as soon as possible and get your pet checked by a vet. Many causes of pain can be helped with the appropriate treatment, and this is easier in the early stages of a condition or disease. There are several effective options to consider for improving their quality of life:

• Pain medications: There are a wide variety of pain medications available for different conditions and in different forms (liquids, tablet or injection) and the exact type will depend on the underlying problem. These medications can have a remarkable improvement on your pet’s behaviour and quality of life. Unless you have been advised by a vet to do so, it is not safe to use human pain medication on pets, as many will have potentially life-threatening side effects if used inappropriately, and some, e.g. ibuprofen can be fatal.
• Expert mobility advice: Book a mobility appointment at our Lytham Road branch with RVN Emma Speers, who is fully trained in canine exercise and rehabilitation. Emma can make a programme of exercise to increase strength and mobility, as well as discussing changes that can be made around the home to make life easier.
• Pain assessment tools: Your vet will be able to advise tools you can use at home to assess and monitor your pet’s pain. This can be very helpful particularly with chronic (long term) conditions, where you can see the effects of various treatments on your pet’s pain level and quality of life.

THERE’S A STRAY CAT IN MY NEIGHBOUHOOD: WHAT DO I DO?

In the UK, where many cats are free to roam outdoors, it can be difficult to determine if a cat in your neighbourhood needs help or is simply a well-cared-for pet exploring the area. To decide whether to step in, it’s important to assess if the cat is truly unowned and in need, or if it belongs to a nearby household.

Here’s a helpful guide to gather information before making assumptions about a cat’s situation:

How often have you seen the cat?

If this is your first encounter with the cat, it may belong to someone who has recently moved nearby. While it’s tempting to welcome the cat into your garden, avoid encouraging this, especially if you have cats of your own, as they are territorial. However, if the cat frequently returns or stays overnight, it’s worth investigating further.

Is the cat trying to enter your home?

If the cat seems confident and is trying to get inside, it may indicate that it’s someone’s pet, perhaps lost or abandoned.

Does the cat appear hungry?

Hunger isn’t always a reliable indicator that a cat needs help. Cats are opportunistic feeders, and even well-fed cats will seek food elsewhere. Offering food may cause confusion if the cat has an owner, and some cats may require special diets for medical reasons, so feeding them could unintentionally harm their health. Also, food left outside may attract cats to your garden, whether intended for them or not.

Does the cat wear a collar with owner details?

If you can safely approach the cat, check for a collar or identity tag. If the cat seems distressed or scared by your approach, it’s best to stop to avoid getting scratched or bitten.

Does the cat have a clipped ear?

A missing tip from a cat’s left ear suggests it has been neutered through a Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program, which manages feral cat populations. These cats usually live independently but are monitored by someone who provides food. If the cat has wandered into your garden, local cat organisations can help, offering humane traps or advice on returning the cat to its home area.

Is the cat afraid of you?

If the cat seems fearful, it may not have been socialized with humans and could be a stray or feral cat. However, some pet cats are naturally nervous around strangers. If you can’t find an owner, the cat may need neutering to prevent unwanted kittens. Male cats that aren’t neutered often have broad cheeks and visible testicles. Local cat organisations can assist with neutering and advise whether the cat should remain in its current location if healthy and happy.

Does the cat seem sick or injured?

If the cat appears unwell, with signs like limping, being very thin, or having visible injuries, it might need veterinary care. Don’t assume a thin cat is young—it could be an older cat from a nearby home that has wandered off and become lost. If you’re unsure, contact a local animal organisation for guidance.

What to do if you find a nest of kittens

If you discover kittens, observe from a distance for about three hours to see if the mother returns. If not, or if the kittens are crying and seem dirty, contact a local homing centre immediately for assistance. If the mother does return, leave food for her and aim to trap her and the kittens later for neutering. Always try to locate an owner before intervening.

For more tips on helping unowned cats, visit iCatCare.

KEEP PETS HAPPY IN CHILLY WEATHER

As the winter months draw near and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to plan ahead and give our pets a little extra care to keep them safe and comfortable. Here are some of our top tips for ensuring your pets stay happy and healthy during the colder weather.

DOGS

Dogs with thick, fluffy coats typically handle the cold well during walks, but short-haired breeds, puppies, and senior dogs may benefit from wearing a coat or sweater (or both!).

Be cautious on icy surfaces, as they can be just as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. For older dogs, even small slips on ice can worsen arthritis and cause significant pain.

Watch out for salt and grit on roads, as these can irritate your dog’s sensitive paws. Be sure to wash and dry their feet after walks, and if it’s snowy, check between their toes for compacted ice, which can be softened and removed with lukewarm water. This is more common in dogs with furry paws, so keep the fur around their feet trimmed.

Also, keep curious dogs away from frozen ponds or lakes to prevent accidents on thin ice – it’s just as risky for them as it is for us.

RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS

Don’t forget about small outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, who are also vulnerable to cold weather. If possible, bring them inside to a sheltered area like a shed or garage. If that’s not an option, add extra insulation to their hutch using heavy blankets or bubble wrap, but ensure there’s still adequate ventilation.

Provide plenty of additional bedding, such as straw, to keep them warm when temperatures drop. You can also use pet-safe heat discs that can be microwaved to provide warmth. Protect their enclosure from the harsh elements with covers or shields.

BIRDS

For birds kept in outdoor aviaries or coops, ensure they have plenty of warm, dry bedding and cover their enclosures to shield them from wind and snow. Birds often eat more in cold weather to maintain body heat, so always provide ample food.

Regularly check their water to make sure it hasn’t frozen over.

If you have chickens, applying a layer of Vaseline to their combs and wattles can help prevent frostbite in freezing temperatures.

NAVIGATING FIREWORK SEASON WITH YOUR PET

Imagine if sudden, deafening explosions erupted without warning, leaving you anxious and fearful. For small animals, especially cats and dogs, this is often what fireworks feel like. With their heightened senses and sensitive hearing, what we consider a loud noise can be an overwhelming, ear-piercing experience for them. For many pets, fireworks lead to stress, fear, and, in extreme cases, trauma or panic-induced bolting. Every year, pets go missing after fleeing in terror during fireworks.

So, how can you tell if your pet is distressed by fireworks? Common signs include trembling, hiding, excessive barking or meowing, drooling, or even uncontrolled urination. These symptoms can be upsetting for owners to witness, but there are ways to minimize these negative effects. Creating a safe environment for your pet during the firework season is crucial.

Important Reminder

Never take your pet to fireworks displays or bonfire nights unless absolutely necessary. Fireworks can be incredibly overwhelming for animals, and it’s safer to keep them at home in a familiar environment.

By taking these steps, you can help your pet feel more secure and reduce their stress during the firework season.