article_snippet: According to a report published today by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), there will be more overweight pets than healthy pets within five years.
article_snippet: Some 80 per cent of vets surveyed by the charity reported an increase in obesity cases they had seen in the last two years.
article_snippet: According to a poll of 1,000 pet owners carried out by PDSA, nearly half do not realise weight is a problem for nearly half pets.
article_snippet: a problem for their pets is particularly acute for dogs.
article_snippet: The problem is getting worse, with fewer dogs than ever being properly exercised, fuelling an explosion in canine obesity.
article_snippet: Warning: PDSA says obesity is exploding within the dog population, although many owners don't realise obesity is a problem.
article_snippet: Vets say obesity in animals creates the same health risks as it does in humans.
article_snippet: Overweight pets develop deadly conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating conditions including arthritis.
article_snippet: Dr Philippa Yam, of Glasgow University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: ‘
article_snippet: It’s clear that pet obesity continues to be a major issue due to a lack of understanding about pets’ welfare needs.
article_snippet: Nicola Martin, head of pet health at PDSA, said: ‘Nicola Martin, head of pet health at PDSA research has shown that pet obesity is a growing problem and that too many people are continuing to feed too many people pets inappropriate foods including takeaways, cake, cheese and chips and sadly many pets aren’t getting enough exercise.
highlights_snippet: PDSA warning of an 'epidemic' of obesity among the nation's canines .
  
highlights_snippet: Overweight pets develop conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes .
  
highlights_snippet: Helped nearly 100 animals shed more than 60 stone over the past decade .