NEW statistics have revealed how pets have put on weight during lockdown, sparking fears among animal experts.

A report made by Burgess Pet Care highlights that 51 per cent of dogs in the UK are obese.

Almost 600,000 more UK pets are overweight or obese and at risk of living two years less than a healthy, fit pet.

The Yorkshire-based pet food provider found that 76 per cent of pet owners do not know how much their pets should weigh while 32 per cent Britons said they never measure portions and guess how much food they needed to give their pets.

Pugs were the dog breed most likely to be overweight, with three quarters categorised as obese by vets.

Similarly, more than two-thirds of Boxers were considered too heavy, with Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Spaniels and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Dr Suzanne Moyes at Burgess Pet Care said: “Pet obesity can also cause serious health problems, and make existing problems worse, which can reduce the length and quality of your pet's life.”

Dr Moyes added that weight problems can cause and contribute to diabetes, heart disease, respiratory distress, high blood pressure and cancer.

According to findings from a vet survey made by Burgess Pet Care vets across the UK are concerned about pet obesity as 76 per cent of pet owners neglecting their dogs health. The majority of owners are seemingly unaware of the problem – 68 per cent of pet owners think their pet is precisely the right weight, and 67 per cent admit they are not worried about pet obesity.

The data also analysed professional and pet owners’ insight on why pets are obese. Only 41 per cent of owners think excessive treating contributes most to obesity. However, 80 per cent of vets believe that a lack of exercise contributes to obesity, while only 44 per cent of owners share this view.

When checking if you dog or cat is overweight, you should be able to see and feel the outline of your dog's ribs and your cat’s spine and hip bones without excess fat covering.

You should be able to see and feel your dog's waist and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above.

Your dog's belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side, while your cat’s belly shouldn’t be sagging underneath with only a small amount of fat.