Given a choice of celebrities, almost half of dog owners in a survey last month, compared their pet to warm, cuddly and friendly comedienne Dawn French (46%). 25% likened their pets to cheeky Chris Tarrant and 9% thought of their dogs as grumpy, like Deputy PM John Prescott. Only 5% described their dogs as sophisticated like Joanna Lumley. The independent survey commissioned by pet food manufacturer Iams, to launch its Active Maturity lifestage food, also demonstrated how the relationships people have with their pets can often be detrimental to their wellbeing.

The survey, undertaken by YouGov for Iams, goes on to reveal that nearly 57% of owners regularly feed their dog a roast dinner, 55% often feed them chocolate/cakes/biscuits, a third feed them chips and 15% admit to feeding curry. 74% percent of owners say they have become more lenient as their dog gets older. The findings are important, particularly when looking at how the nutritional requirements of dogs change with age.

Dogs in the 7-11 age group begin to experience physiological changes to their bodies as they can become more prone to weight gain, skin and coat changes and deterioration in joint function and mobility. Whilst owners realise that when they hit 50 they will go grey and have wrinkles they are much less aware that these changes could also be affecting their 7+ pets.

David Morgan, a veterinarian at Iams Europe, said:

"Time and the natural ageing process take their toll on dogs. Alongside the more obvious evidence of ageing such as greying hair and changes in body shape and weight, there are less visible changes like reduced efficiency of the immune system, stiffness in joints and susceptibility to illness. Iams has formulated the Active Maturity 7+ diet for dogs to address important changes that occur as they age, to ensure we promote their optimal well-being."

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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