Doggy diets: Working from home means pets are being fed more
Brad Mitchell said it was easier to notice during lockdown when Chrissy didn’t have food so she was fed more. Image: Brad Mitchell
For Brad Mitchell, being at home during the country’s coronavirus lockdown meant he noticed his cat’s food bowl was empty.
As a result, Chrissy was fed more.
Mitchell said Chrissy used to be fed twice daily when her owners were working from offices.
“I think we’re more aware of when she’s hungry or when her bowl is empty because we are at home. During the lockdown, it was easier to notice when she didn’t have food so she was fed more,” he said.
Chrissy’s story is not unique.
A recent survey by Hill’s Pet Nutrition found that Covid-19 had a profound effects on pets by fuelling obesity.
Hill’s pet behaviour expert Marycke Ackhurst said 50% of pets are overweight, and it was alarming that 90% of pet parents didn’t realise this.
Recent research undertaken in the US revealed that more than 71% of pet professionals said the pandemic has affected the way pets were eating. More than 30% of pet parents surveyed who have overweight pets said their pets had become overweight since the start of the pandemic.
Monalisa Senne, an owner of three dogs, said she has noticed two of the dogs gained weight during the lockdown.
“I have had the two for a year and they have gained a lot of weight. I didn’t understand why. I used to walk my dogs but during the lockdown it didn’t happen. We could no longer walk so when they gained weight I thought it was because of that,” said Senne.
The 28-year-old said she has been feeding her dogs the same amount of food they had been eating before lockdown.
“I won’t say I have been feeding them extra. I have fed them the same way for years. I didn’t think it was something I should worry about. I thought it was because they were happy with me at home,” she said.
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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
