As a pet owner it is tempting to give your pet little treats but it is important to remember that animals need to have the right diet and get enough exercise to stay healthy. If your pet gets overweight and develops a condition such as diabetes or arthritis or has breathing problems as a result it can cost hundreds of pounds in vets bills.

How then can a concerned pet owner know the correct weight that their furry friend should be? Weighing your adult pet regularly either by taking them to the vets or by picking them up and weighing you and them on bathroom scales and subtracting your weight from the total will ensure you keep a check on their weight and spot any increase. The look and feel test can be a handy guide. If you look at your pet from the side and above they should have a visible waist and if you feel their tummy it should not bulge out. When you feel their chest and back you should be able to feel their ribs and spine under the skin, but they should not protrude. If you are in doubt it is a good idea to ask at your local veterinary surgery for their opinion.