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The guilt factor

James Ramsden
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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Getty Images
More than 400 pet owners took part in our on-line survey. Commenting on everything from the cat’s top spot in the house to Fido’s favourite foods, here’s what you said.
  • 76% have had their guilt button pressed by their pets
  • 34 % said their pet does exactly what it likes
  • 42 % said their pet guilts them into feeding too much


What the vet says:
“The reality is that we over-feed our pets but you don’t have to be cruel to be kind. Obesity is a huge health problem for pets in Australia. When your pet looks at you with those eyes and you can’t resist giving another treat, it ultimately leads to poor health.

"Pets that are overweight are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and almost always suffer from debilitating arthritis as their joints are forced to carry those extra kilos.”

Some positive tips for helping your pet maintain an ideal weight

  • Try not to let your pet decide how much he eats; measure food so you know the calorie intake is correct and be consistent
  • Feed your pet on a schedule to avoid over feeding
  • Control the number of treats you give and only offer healthy treats.
  • If you know your pet is a breed that is prone to gaining weight such as the Labrador or the Burmese be extra vigilant
  • Exercise regularly – this is not only good for weight control but your pet will be mentally stimulated; and it’s good for you too!


Most of us are not aware of what a healthy body condition is as we’re used to seeing overweight pets. Consult your veterinarian to make sure your pet is within a healthy weight range.

What you said:

“My pets are so spoilt they don’t even know they are dogs.”

“Our cat gets fed when she demands it. We love her immensely.”

“When my animals look at me with those eyes, I cannot resist.”

“She can have me wrapped around her paws.”

View more results from our Pet Survey

Up close and personal
Pet health care
Pets as family
Best friend in a crisis

Your say: Does your pet have you wrapped around their paws? Tell us below.



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User comments
My Labrador is one of those good looking labradors - (just like his Mum) LOL! And he had me wrapped around his little paw when he was 6 months but i changed that just a few months later as my other half made me realise that if i dont change we will end up having a problematic dog and not something we both want. So i feed him twice a day 3 cups all in all and at 18 months he's 31.07kilos. I regurly get him checked up at the vet, so far so good. He's at a very healthy weight range and if he gets a treats during the day for particular dog tricks i teach him i reduce his food intake.... My treats include Dried pigs ears or Ox Penis, cow heid bones ... they love it but not to much.. and ofcourse long walks, bike rides, and training. Giving him all this made me loose 9 kilos! Now i love him even more....
It's difficult enough to keep ourselves healthy these days, but having a pet, whose life depends upon my responsible attitude towards its feeding and exercise definitely helps. How can I justify becoming unhealthy and therefore unable to properly care for my best friends. Exercise is easier, not snacking is easier - because it seems unkind to not walk twice a day, or to eat rubbish in front of my mates when they can't have something. Vive les pets! Walk with them, talk with them, relax with them, eat sensibly with them. Everyone will be happy and healthy!!
No, my pets do not make me feed them and feel guilty. I have had pets and loved animals since i was small and i have learned about their physical and social needs. Both cats and dogs, at some point, need to know that you are the "leader of the pack" and that they eat when you say so. Cats naturally go through a "lean" time in summer as part of a yearly cycle. If pets don't learn that you are the boss, then they will think that they are - they may damage furniture or even attack you or friends - and you will be a slave to an animal ! (sad) I knew an elderly couple once who killed two beautiful dogs by continually feeding them cakes,biscuits,and chocolates. They became immensely fat and died from heart failure. Pets must feed according to their natural patterns and seasonal variations. I trained my little cat, right from when he was tiny, by whacking the floor near him with a flyswatter. He hated the noise. All i have to do now is show him the swatter when he is *** and he behaves.

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