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Pet Owners

Most common pet insurance claims are a result of obesity, studies claim

RSA insurance group, More Than, has revealed that of the 12 most common pet insurance claims reported to it in 2018, half were affected by obesity.

The study issued by More Than showed that pets being overweight or not having enough exercise could contribute to the development of, complexity of, or recovery from these obesity-influenced conditions.

The research claims the average cost for these conditions are £900, compared with £722 across the top 12 conditions overall, which it said is “most likely” because obesity can make it hard to treat these types of illnesses, “driving up vet fees”.

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Overall, More Than received over 9,000 claims and paid out over £8m for the top six obesity-influenced conditions in 2018.

It comes after Burgess Pet Care claimed that pet owners last month.

The findings from a national pet obesity survey revealed a “worrying” number of pet owners are not paying enough care and attention to the size of their pets’ food portions, highlighting how incorrect portion control may be fuelling the UK’s pet obesity crisis.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care said: “Accurate and regular weighing of both pets and their food portions is essential to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

“As well as ensuring their pets are following a healthy diet full of nutritious foods, pet owners should also carefully monitor the food intake of their pets by paying close attention to portion sizes in order to avoid overfeeding, which is one of the biggest contributing factors to obesity.”

She added: “Obesity can lead to a variety of different health and wellbeing issues, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiac disease and cancer. To help prevent pet obesity, provide your pets with a nutritious and controlled diet and ensure they’re getting regular exercise.”

“Be sensible with treats, avoid feeding them scraps and be sure to visit a veterinary professional if you have any concerns about your pets’ weight.”

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