Owners putting pets’ lives at risk by giving them protein shakes and DIET pills
OWNERS are giving their pets human protein shakes, bars and diet pills to try to make them look impressive on social media, we can reveal.
A shocking Paws&Claws survey has found that pet owners could be putting their animals at risk by using the internet to diagnose illnesses and then giving them human supplements and medicines.
More than a third of owners — 35 per cent — have used websites to diagnose illnesses and 48 per cent then administered treatment based on that advice. Of those, one in 20 pet owners give their pets protein shakes, bars and diet pills in a bid to improve body shape.
When they were quizzed as to why they were giving bodybuilding and human health products to their pets, six per cent said it was because they wanted them to look impressive on social media.
A further 40 per cent of those felt it was a good idea to help the pet lose weight more quickly, 23 per cent wanted their dog to have more energy, 21 per cent wanted to get their pet in shape and a further 21 per cent said they did it so their pet could exercise with them.
Our survey, carried out by pet insurance specialists More Th>n found 15 per cent of the pets given human products reacted badly.
‘HEALTH COMPLICATIONS’
Andrew Moore, Director of Pet Claims for the company, said: “Pet owners risk significant harm to their pets by turning to the internet and social media when problems arise.
“Giving pets medicines or supplements designed for humans can lead to liver failure and kidney damage among a litany of health complications that arise from seemingly harmless over-the-counter products.
“Ensuring correct dosing and delivery of pet treatment is essential in ensuring a pet’s health and wellbeing — a simple internet search can bring up confusing, incorrect and contradictory advice that could easily prove fatal to a pet if followed.
“This is why we urge pet owners to always seek advice from a veterinary professional if their pet appears unwell, upset or injured.”
Star of the week
CRYSTAL Chandelier was stricken with cancer after too much sun worshipping.
The 11-year-old stray moggie needed life-saving surgery by charity Cats Protection after burns caused tumours to develop in her ears.
Crystal is now earless after vets were forced to cut away infected tissue.
There are now calls for owners to take greater care over their sun-loving moggies.
Alison Richards, Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection, said: “The best way to protect your cat is to keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day.
“Provide shade in your garden and allow access to a shed or outhouse if possible. Speak to your vet about an appropriate feline-friendly sunblock.”
Crystal is still looking for a fur-ever home and is being cared for by the charity in Brighton.
Pet vet
SEAN McCORMACK, head vet at tailored food firm tails.com, is on a mission to help the nation’s pets.
WENDY HYDE, 74, from Walsall, rescued Daphne, five, from Bulgaria six months ago. She is half husky and really pulls on her extender lead, making Wendy’s arm ache.
Sean says: “Extender leads are not a good idea for new dogs, untrained dogs and puppies who don’t know how they are meant to act on the lead.
“Dogs should be trained on a short, fixed lead that allows their owner to properly control their movements and teach them what’s expected of them. A Husky is also a very challenging breed as they are bred to be extremely high-energy and, being sled dogs, to pull.
“Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is vital to tire them out, and several months of training to heel on the lead will be needed to curb this habit.
“If researching and trying the heel method for yourself isn’t working, don’t be afraid to hire a dog trainer or behaviourist to give you tips and get her back on track.”
MOST READ IN MONEY
JULIA WARING, 58, from Hove, East Sussex, has a cat called Horatio who squeals every time his tail is just touched.
Sean says: “Some cats love to have the base of their tail scratched and can react with some funny vocalisations as a result. It’s possible his screaming is just excitement. But if this is a new thing he could be crying out because he doesn’t want his tail touched at all.
“Has he been in a fight, could he have hurt his tail or potentially damaged his hind legs? If he’s holding his tail down or to the side he could be in pain. It could even be blocked anal glands or small puncture wounds from cat bites.”
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