The veterinarian warned about the danger of overweight in animals

Every fourth owner of a cat or dog in Russia admits that his pet is overweight or obese. However, most people do not perceive this problem as serious. Veterinarian Ekaterina Nigova told Izvestia about this on June 9.

"Owners do not include obesity in the top of the most dangerous pet health problems. They consider digestive problems, diseases of the cardiovascular system and diseases of the urinary tract to be the most alarming conditions," she noted.

The expert clarified that experts came to this conclusion based on a study by the NAFI analytical center and the National Veterinary Chamber. It was attended by 2.4 thousand people.

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It turned out that 68% of the respondents believe that the animal is obese, but assess its condition as good or excellent. At the same time, four out of 10 believe that there "should be a lot" of a good pet. Meanwhile, overweight is recognized by veterinarians as one of the main causes of cardiovascular, endocrine and kidney diseases, which significantly affects the quality and life expectancy of a pet.

"In addition, cat and dog owners overestimate the ability of pets to self-regulate their diet. This position is especially common among cat owners: about half of them believe that pets themselves know the measure of food," she stressed.

An alarming trend, according to her, is that overweight animals arouse affection and sympathy in people. The stereotypical perception of fullness in pets as a cute feature is a dangerous mistake. This leads to overeating, eating disorders, and eventually to serious illnesses, from heart disorders to endocrine diseases.

The expert warned that obesity in animals is not a harmless feature of appearance, but a factor that significantly increases the risks to their health and significantly reduces life expectancy. It is important to monitor the level of physical activity, as well as choose a diet that meets the needs of the pet.

Nigova recalled that now there are specialized feeds that help to safely reduce and control weight, while providing the animal with all the necessary nutrients.

Veterinarians, she added, recommend weight control to almost a third of their patients. But many people continue to give treats twice a day and more often, which indicates a lack of understanding of the role of nutrition in weight control.

Dmitry Gusev, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Control, proposed on April 7 to establish the post of Commissioner for animal protection. It is assumed that the Commissioner's task will be to interact with veterinary organizations and the government in the field of responsible animal care.