Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th October 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Interactive tool launched to tackle dog obesity
The tool provides users with a personalised help sheet for approaching their dog's diet.
The initiative is in response to a rise in pet obesity.

A pet food association has launched a new interactive and educational tool, in an effort to tackle obesity in dogs.

UK Pet Food, a group for those in the pet food industry, collaborated on the project with human psychologist Professor Thomas Webb, of the University of Sheffield, in an effort to tackle a rise in dog obesity.

The initiative was implemented in response to a survey conducted by UK Pet Food at London Vet Show 2022, where it was discovered that 50 per cent of dogs were considered overweight or obese by veterinary surgeons. As well as being dangerous to a dog’s wellbeing, obesity in pets can add strain to health resources and result in substantial costs for their owners.

To tackle this, UK Pet Food partnered with Prof Webb to create a tool that would combine behavioural psychology with practical dietary advice so that dog owners could make informed decisions about their pet’s nutrition.

The first part of the tool asks users to complete a quiz titled ‘Who’s in charge when feeding your dog?”. The quiz explores the dynamics of feeding habits, while offering owners insight into their part in their dog’s dietary regimen.

They will then receive a personalised help sheet based on their quiz responses, which addresses situations where their dogs may be overfed or given too many treats.

Based on UK Pet Food’s knowledge of canine diets and Prof Webb’s knowledge of behaviour change, the help sheet aims to identify the triggers that lead to pet owner’s overfeeding and overtreating their dogs.

It will then support respondents with establishing practical strategies for healthy feeding routines, making informed choices when choosing food and promoting a balanced diet for their dog’s nutritional needs.

Sarah Hormozi, head of science and education at UK Pet Food, said: "We are committed to combatting pet obesity and fostering a better understanding of the importance of a healthy diet for dogs.

"Our collaboration with Professor Thomas Webb brings a fresh perspective to the problem, bridging the gap between human psychology and pet nutrition."

The tool is available to use on the UK Pet Food website.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.