It’s something that’s often seen as cute. 

But if your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, it could put them at risk of a number of health conditions, including heart disease, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. 

Now, a report has revealed just how many dogs in the UK are classed as obese. 

Researchers from UK Pet Food warn that 50 per cent of dogs are overweight – with four popular breeds topping the list. 

Dr Dan O’Neill, a senior lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal College of Veterinarians, said: ‘To defeat your enemy, you need to know your enemy. Obesity is the enemy of the health of our dogs.’

It’s something that’s often seen as cute. But if your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, it could put them at risk of a number of health conditions, including heart disease, osteoarthritis , and diabetes  

Researchers from UK Pet Food warn that 50 per cent of dogs are overweight – with four popular breeds topping the list

Research has shown that, in the UK, there’s a huge disconnect between how owners and vets view the size of their pets. 

While 77 per cent of owners think their pet is a healthy size and weight, a whopping 30-50 per cent of pets seen by vets are actually overweight or obese.

In their new study, the researchers surveyed 148 vets about the pets coming into their clinics this year. 

The results revealed that 50 per cent of dogs are currently overweight or obese – a five per cent increase on 2014. 

Breaking the results down by breed, the researchers pinpoint four breeds at higher risk of being obese. 

These are Pugs, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and English Springer Spaniels. 

The report also found that 43 per cent of cats are overweight – an increase of three per cent compared to 2014. 

Dr Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM, said: ‘The opportunistic nature of their feeding behaviour means they may still take advantage of food even when they are not hungry. 

The researchers pinpoint four breeds at higher risk of being obese. These are Pugs, Beagles (pictured), Golden Retrievers, and English Springer Spaniels

The report also found that 43 per cent of cats are overweight – an increase of three per cent compared to 2014

‘When we apply this to the domestic environment, we have a species… that lives a far more sedentary lifestyle (not having to hunt for food), which we are feeding a concentrated diet. 

‘When looked at this way, it is a wonder more cats are not obese!’

Almost a third (31 per cent) of small mammals – including rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters and mice – are overweight, according to the figures. 

‘Small mammals face many of the same challenges and consequences as dogs and cats when it comes to obesity, but these are often further emphasised by their small size, how they are fed, and the environment in which they are kept, which may differ from how they evolved,’ said Dr Christine Huggett, a Pet Food Consultant. 

Meanwhile, nine per cent of pet birds are carrying excess pounds, according to the report. 

Nine per cent of pet birds are carrying excess pounds, according to the report. Pictured: a fatter budgerigar 

‘Obesity is a common problem in pet birds and can be linked to the provision of seed-based diets which allow selective feeding of the high fat components, coupled with a lack of exercise: the so called “perch potato”,’ explained Vicki Baldrey, a Lecturer in Exotic Species and Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery. 

‘Obesity in pet birds leads to a higher risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis, liver disease, tumours and arthritis. 

‘The presence of feathers can hamper the ability to judge body condition from a distance and some birds may not tolerate handling for body condition scoring.’

The researchers hope the findings will encourage pet owners to keep track of their pet’s weight, and take measures to keep them in shape.     

Cat Henstridge, Vet Surgeon and Veterinary Influencer, added: ‘Fat cats, rotund rabbits, and dumpy dogs have sadly become the norm in our pet population, significantly reducing both their quality and length of life. 

‘Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease, making weight loss a challenge for any pet. 

‘However, given the severe health risks, it’s vital that we, as animal care experts, support owners in helping their pets shed those extra pounds.’