Battle of the bulge: Ken Maraun with Ruby the three-year-old labrador cross.
OBESITY epidemics are not only threatening mankind – man’s best friend is also fighting the battle of the bulge.
It turns out pets are struggling with their weight as much as their human counterparts.
Veterinarian Doctor Steve Rose from Animal Doctors on Lake Road confirmed our four-legged friends are becoming increasingly obese.
“It has become an increasing trend as the greater the personal relationship with our pets become,” he said. “Dogs are now being seen as a member of the family as opposed to just being the pet in the back yard. They are inside a lot more and have more access to high calorie foods.”
Dr Rose also said information on dog food packaging was misguiding.
He believes the recommended food amounts were often significantly too high.
He said diabetes, cancer, arthritis and heart failure were all side effects in overweight dogs.
Dr Rose also stressed exercise was an important factor in maintaining every dog’s health and well being.
For every 10 kilograms a dog should consume 650 kilo-calories every 24-hours.
Most importantly, Dr Rose said like humans, it all came down to energy in must equal energy out.
