Dog obesity still a growing problem in New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE
13 March 2009

Dog obesity still a growing problem in New Zealand

It might seem unusual for a pet food company to be encouraging consumers to feed their pets less of their product. However, that’s exactly what Purina New Zealand is recommending to owners with overweight dogs to help them live longer.

“There’s no doubt that New Zealand has an increasing number of overweight dogs,” says Crystal Corben, a Veterinary Nurse and Pet Care advisor for Purina New Zealand.

“We are receiving an increasing number of calls on our consumer care hotline from people concerned that their dog is overweight, and how best to feed them.”

Ms Corben says overweight dogs may be susceptible to health problems such as impaired heart and breathing functions, digestive disturbances, skin problems and diabetes.

“The veterinary prescription for helping dogs live longer isn’t a vaccine or medication; it’s simply smaller portions of food,” says Ms Corben.

Ms Corben cites findings from a 14-year study by Purina USA that monitored the effects of diet on life span and age-related changes in dogs.

The 14-year Purina “Life Span” study found that dogs that consumed 25 percent fewer calories than their littermates during their lifetimes maintained a lean or ideal body condition*, resulting in a longer life.

“The results show that lean dogs can live longer and healthier lives,” says Ms Corben.

Ms Corben says that owners with obese dogs should reduce the dog’s calorie intake in conjunction with a weight management and exercise plan, developed with a veterinarian.

“Pushing ‘play’ with your dog for 30 minutes a day can make a great difference to their weight and health. Start with moderate exercise, and gradually increase the length of walks and play time.”

“Overweight pets can experience fatigue at the beginning of an exercise programme, so keep an eye out for any shortness of breath and allow your dog to rest as needed.”

Ms Corben says that in addition to eating less food overall, high-calorie treats and table scraps should be avoided.

“Keeping a small amount of your dog’s regular food aside to use as treats helps prevent overfeeding, while still allowing you to treat your dog,” she says.

Last month, Purina New Zealand launched its annual 30-Day Challenge campaign, a program designed to promote better health for pets. Consumers can take the challenge and help make a difference to their pet’s health in just 30 days by visiting www.purinaone.co.nz/challenge

To find out more about quality weight management products for pets, visit www.purina.co.nz

*Ideal body condition: physical assessment of health defined as when you can feel and see the outline of a dog’s ribs, there is a waist when viewed from above and the abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side. See Purina’s Dog body condition scoring system for more information. www.purina.com/dogs/health/bodycondition.aspx

ENDS

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