A new study has found that women are less aware of the issues surrounding pets' weight, which could result in hefty vets' bills if they don't have insurance.
Fewer women than men realise the potential costs of their pet eating unhealthily at Christmas, new research has revealed.
According to a study by AA Pet Insurance, nearly one in five men expected their pet to get a little flabby over the holiday period while the same amount were thinking about a New Year diet for their animal. However, for women the results were just over and just under one in ten respectively.
The firm's product manager Karen Jakes warned that the idea of fat cats and dumpy dogs would be no laughing matter if the animal becomes ill. Many pet insurance policies can become invalid if the pet is found to be obese as a result of irresponsibility on behalf of the owner.
"Whilst it may seem kind to include your family pet in the celebrations, just like humans, overweight pets can lead to health problems," she said. "We receive many claims from owners with pet health issues that are directly connected to weight gain, all of which will be painful for your pet."
For owners who are worried that their pooch has put on a few extra pounds or their cat is carrying some extra calories, Ms Jakes recommended a simple test. A hand should be run along the pet's ribcage and if the ribs can be felt "without undue pressure" then the animal is not obese.
