Dogs and cats spoiled and reborn: many owners support their tastes rather than their health

Is the way dogs and cats enter Italian homes aware? The correct answer should be « nì ». Against a 71% of owners who declare of have the main point of reference in the vet For the management of their own or their family animals, there are many who admit, in fact, not to follow the advice to the end. It would not be explained, otherwise, that 42% of the sample taken as reference by the SWG researchers – who on behalf of Royal Canin investigated the awareness of our country’s Pet Owner – who declares to Establish the daily diet of the four -legged Based on his taste and not on the basis of consolidated nutritional criteria and endorsed by veterinarians. With the consequence of gastrointestinal disorders (reported by 48% of the owners) or forms of overweight And obesity (suffers the 30% of cats), to which they are added dermatological pathologies (for the 31% dogs and the 22% of cats) e Urinary tract disorders (among the felines suffers from it 22%). But the fact that most stands out in the detection is that 60% of pets have shown at least one health problem over the last few months. That, conversely, it can also be translated into the fact that only 40% of the dogs and cats of Italians can be said to be healthy. And, consequently, that only part of the owners adopts correct practices of managing their friends at home.

Yet Italians are animal lovers and have a big heart. The investigation highlights for example that Half of all dogs and cats living with the Italians have been adopted And not purchased, which the latter that is worth only for a third of dogs. A third of the cats was simply simply Found on the street And then welcomed into the family. The choice to share the existence with a pet is more thoughtful among those who have opted for a dog – which obviously requires more complex management than the cat, which should not be brought out every day several times a day for physiological needs and to meet the need for movement -; And among those who live in large cities, which for the less favorable environmental characteristics think more before giving in to the call.

The same goes for the evaluation of the costs that inevitably the arrival of an animal. Those of the vet, for example. The research highlights how the owners estimate An average annual cost of 352 euros for dogs and of 335 for cats. But this sum, which refers to an average expenditure and to an ordinary attendance of clinics for controls, vaccinations or prophylaxis, that is, net of any health problems, must then be multiplied over the years. And since fortunately the average life has also stretched for our animal friends, the investment in the medium and long term is not a short time. In any case, the owners have the obligation to take care of the health of their animals. Starting from prevention. «And the most effective weapon we have to make our dogs and cats feel good – underlined the doctor Carla Giuditta Vecchiatoveterinarian and researcher at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Bologna -. Starting from proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. These can already make a difference ».

Healthy animals involve less need for care and therefore minor disbursements. The Pet Food industry has long perfected the range of products to respond to different diets and also meet the needs of those dogs and cats that have particular food needs, due to pathologies or ailments. The research highlights how 67% of animal owners with health problems have followed a specific dieteven if only a part of them continuously. With the result that the problems then remained or even worsened.

The strong resistance of false myths And commonplaces which may be deleterious. For example 27% of the owners, still today, believe that the « pets » can eat the leftovers of the human table. Then there are the wrong beliefs, fed by word of mouth that with the advent of social media have had a very strong thrust. THE cerealsfor example, are an important source of energy and fiber: half of the interviewees think they are harmful. Or the case of chicken: 32% believe that it is among the causes of food allergies, even if the adverse reactions are often given by other ingredients present in the croquettes or in wet food.

Then there is the chapter of DIY Diets. It is not absolutely not recommended to feed your animals with car food produced: it can be done, but only on condition that the composition of the nutrients and the doses have been agreed with an expert. To this we must dedicate time and attention. And constancy, as we have also seen in the case of special diets that are already ready, is not easy to maintain. « False myths must be contrasted forcefully – comments Dr. Vecchiato – and it is essential that the owners are correctly informed, so as to be able to make decisions based only on scientific data ».

Topic on which it also insists on Elisabetta Braccidirector of the Brand and Pet Owner area of ​​Royal Canin, who recalls how behind the production of Pet Food there are years of research and studies that have led to a progressive raising of the quality of industrial food. «We do our part – he explains – but the importance of a continuous comparison with the vet remains and it is positive that from research this awareness emerges. The theme of obesity of dogs and cats is very serious. It is not just about proposing their animals nourishing and complete foods but also of respect the quantitiesaspect on which we also focus in the indications for use on our packaging ». In short, to regret them without criterion, even when you want to do it only « in good faith », as a cuddle or a sign of attention, is not actually a gesture of love. It takes little to go in overfilling and create the conditions for overweight and obesity. Hence the road to the veterinarian’s study, for the need for care and not to prevent, then often becomes truly short.