Pet Obesity 'Rapidly Reaching Crisis Point' Pet obesity in Britain is reaching crisis point, experts have warned - claiming that owners with overweight pets could be shortening their life by two years. New research reveals that nearly half the number of pets making a visit to the vet are overweight. A fifth of owners do not acknowledge the problem and think their pets are actually a healthy weight, according to research by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA). And some 92% of owners surveyed with overweight pets do not see animal obesity as a life-threatening risk. The PFMA is encouraging pet owners across Britain to take action by taking part in their nationwide "Weigh in Wednesday" campaign, starting this week. A pet's life could be shortened by two years if the prpblem goes unchecked The campaign, involving vets, pet retailers, food manufacturers, groomers, animal charities and welfare groups, has been developed to encourage pet owners to keep their pets within the ideal weight range. Vet Zara Boland said: "The issue of obesity is rapidly reaching a crisis point. Obesity has been linked to health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, whilst it's inflammatory effect is known to worsen problems like arthritis. With estimates of up to 50% of pets exceeding their ideal body condition and recent reports highlighting that 18.5 million dogs and cats in the UK are regularly fed inappropriate diets, the need for pet owner's education and positive action is now. Collectively we can achieve far more than working alone.