Research reveals average UK dog is 22% overweight
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- A study of half a million UK dogs by Pets at Home finds that the average UK dog is 22 per cent overweight
- Research reveals the areas where dogs are most overweight
- Many of the top ten towns’ canine populations are almost 50 per cent over their guideline weight
A study of over a million dogs by Pets at Home has revealed the UK towns where canine pets are most likely to be overweight, as well as finding that the average UK dog weighs a whopping 22% more than its ideal weight.
The pet retailer analysed the weights of 508,909 dogs across the country and found that Swinton in Yorkshire had the heaviest canines, with the average dog weighing 48% more than it ought to. Similar results were found in Edgeware, Dundee and Beckton, where dogs were found to be 47% over their guideline weight.
These results mean that dogs in these areas are more than twice as likely to have an issue with their weight, as the national average is a still startling 22%.
Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Veterinary Advisor for Pets at Home, said: “It’s interesting to see that on average the nation’s dogs are struggling to maintain their ideal weight. One of the things many pet owners struggle with is not spoiling their beloved dog with too many treats and snacks, for example cheese and chocolate, which can be harmful to their health.
“However, just as in humans, eating too many treats and carrying extra pounds can have consequences for canines, including damage to joints, bones and ligaments, problems with breathing and digestion and even quality and length of life in extreme cases.
“That’s why it’s important for pet owners to feed a balanced, nutritious diet to their dog.”
The towns where dogs are most overweight are: - Swinton (Yorkshire) – 48% (over their guideline weight*)
- Edgware, Dundee and Beckton – 47%
- Ferndale,Hounslow and Greenock – 46%
- Faringdon, Dovercourt, Cliftonville – 45%
- Blackwood, Hainault and Bidford on Avon- 44%
- Bletchley, Penarth, Chinnor, Caddington, Seaford – 43%
- Barton upon HUmber, Branksome and Brentford – 43%
- Cheshunt, Kilwinning – 42%
- Welshpool, Biddenden, Livingston and Swaffham – 41%
- Droylesden, Todmorden, Radlet - 40.5%
However, not all areas in the UK matched this trend. On average dogs in County Durham’s Consett are closest to their ideal weight, at just 0.99% overweight. Meanwhile dogs in Bridport and Atherton were actually found to be ever so slightly underweight.
The towns where dogs are most likely on average to be nearest to their ideal weight are:
- Consett
- Barnard Castle
- Berkley
- Balerno
- Chobham
- Ballymoney
- Stanley
- Newbridge
- Buckfastleigh
- Maybole
*Guideline weight according to Kennel Club breed standards and veterinary data
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