Pets pile on pounds due to Christmas treats

We all overindulge at Christmas, but this year, nearly two thirds (60%) of owners allowed their furry friends to also enjoy festive treats, reveal findings from AA Pet Insurance.

Nearly a fifth (17%) of owners admitted their pets were already overweight before Christmas even arrived, but the festive season took its toll with another 14 per cent noticing their cats' and dogs' waistlines had expanded by the New Year. Despite the research showing that one in ten (10%) of people are now considering putting their pet on a diet, the study has prompted AA Pet Insurance to call for more people to follow suit.

However, piling on the pounds is not the only issue for pets over Christmas, with pet owners admitting they were unaware that Christmas treats were potentially poisonous for their pets. In fact, one in five (19.9%) Brits were oblivious that the cheeky chocolate they feed their pets could be harmful and a massive two thirds (67.2%) had no idea nuts could be bad for animals' health. AA Pet Insurance believes this figure will mean a lot of animal lovers will find themselves facing expensive vet bills in the New Year.

Karen Jakes, product manager of AA Insurance comments: "Whilst it may seem kind to include your family pet in the celebrations, just like humans, overweight pets can lead to health problems. We receive many claims from owners with pet health issues that are directly connected to weight gain, all of which will be painful for your pet. It is important to be a responsible pet owner and extreme obesity cases may lead to pet insurance policies to be invalidated.

"Vets also find themselves dealing with chocolate poisoning over Christmas time and we are keen to make sure that owners understand that cats and dogs have different digestive systems. Prevention is better than cure, so try to keep poisonous foods out of reach of those greedy pooches throughout the year!"

As a quick guide to see if your dog or cat needs to go on a diet, Karen Jakes suggests running your hand along his or her ribcage. "You should easily be able to feel the ribs without undue pressure," she says. "Ask your vet for a target weight for your dog and advice on a diet regime - cutting out ‘tasty treats' will certainly help get rid of the excess baggage!"

The research also found:

Men were more aware of pet weight gain with 17.1% expecting their pet to put on weight, compared to just (11.1%) of women

Twice the amount of men (17.1%) as women (8.5%) were considering putting their pet on a diet in the New Year

The elderly are more lenient towards their pets, with only 7% of those aged 56 and over expecting their pets will put on weight, compared to 20% of 19-21 year olds

The older generation also spoil their pets more with 30% elderly (56+) pet owners admitted giving pets edible treats, compared to only 21% 19-21 year olds

To find out more about AA Pet Insurance, visit theAA.com