Anyone who has a dog will know that trying to keep their weight stable is often a constant battle. However, it turns out that not all locations are created equal, as a new map has revealed the UK hotspots where your pooch is most likely to be overweight.
The latest research from pet food brand, Naturo, has found that almost a third (32%) of lockdown dogs bought during the course of the pandemic are now overweight, and a whopping 47% of them can be found in the Oxford area.
Bristol's pooch population comes in second, with 38% currently overweight, tied with Plymouth, where the same percentage of pups were piling on the pounds.
Though the findings didn't indicate why exactly so many of Oxford's lockdown pets are now overweight compared to other parts of the country, they did suggest that the reasons for the increase on the scales are mostly down to owners buying their dog’s love with treats (43%) and a third (34%) admitting that their dogs are spoilt, so they are allowed to eat whatever they’d like.
In fact, as nation we are currently spending an average of £63 per month on treats for our dogs, and one in ten of us are still feeling bad about the lack of excitement in our pet's life during the various lockdowns of the past 18 months.
Plus, with many people still working from home, 8% of pet owners feel that being around their dog more has meant that they end up feeding them an increased amount over the course of the day.
In short, we're a nation too generous to our pets for their own good.
However, though we might feel we're showing our dogs love by giving them extra treats, it's important to keep an eye on any weight increase as it can cause a variety of health complications, and discomfort, for your pet in the long run.
There are lots of ways to prevent excess weight gain in animals, from cutting down mealtime portions to accommodate more treats in the day to adding in more exercise.
Lauren Toal, Naturo's brand manager suggests: "With almost half (49%) of dog owners opting for a lowered food intake for their dogs, it’s important for owners to know that they can provide their dogs with the same amount of food but simply a lower amount of fat content."
If you're worried about your dog's weight gain, or are unsure how much — or what — you should be feeding them, then speak with your vet.
Top 10 uk cities with overweight dogs:
- Oxford 47%
- Bristol 38%
- Plymouth 38%
- Cardiff 36%
- Manchester 35%
- Liverpool 33%
- Leeds 33%
- Belfast 33%
- Cambridge 32%
- London 32%
The best dog nail clippers to keep paws neat and tidy
Pet supplier Petstoreo was founded by two working veterinarians who have created an extensive range of high-quality and sustainable pet products, including these sturdy nail clippers.
An adjustable claw guard allows you to change the size of the clipping area to more precisely accommodate your dog's nails. It has a safety guard for storage and non-slip rubber handles.
Using an electric grinder is effective, but loud noises may faze more nervous dogs. This one has been designed to be extra-quiet to avoid causing any upset. It has a four-hour charge and two speeds; a slower one for trimming to length and another for filing smooth afterwards.
Another affordable pair, but guillotine-style instead. Their ergonomic design is easy to use and will get the job done efficiently, delivering sharp clean cuts.
This cordless nail grinder comes with five file attachments that can be switched out. Two sanding drums are also included to keep the files at their best. It’s one of the cheaper nail grinders we’ve seen, but bear in mind that it is battery-powered rather than rechargeable.
This cordless grinder has LED lights, providing a clearer view of claws. It has a two-hour charge and a low vibration.
Designed to clip just the tip of the nail, these clippers have a unique patent-pending conical blade that doesn't crush the nail. Recommended by veterinarians and groomers, they also come in a range of sizes so you can find the right one.
If you're nervous about cutting your pooch's nails for the first time, try these clippers. An anti-slip handle helps you maintain a firm grip so you can comfortably cut their nails, while a spring-loaded safety stop prevents over-cutting.
This electric nail grinder is suitable for all breeds. It has two speeds and three grinding ports, so you can choose the right setting for your pet. It also has a two-hour charge.
We love this handy nail trimmer, which comes with four practical LED lights. It also has a replacement blade and a nail trapper which helps catch nail clippings for an easy clean-up.
Designed to cut any type or thickness nail safely, this clipper set also comes with a handy file so you can get your dog's nails just right.
