‘Your pet is obese.’ These are tough words to hear for some pet parents. The truth is, obesity is rising among our pets and we’re acting like its normal or we’re denying the facts. Not only is their weight going up, so is their risk of health issues.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, statistics shows a rise of obese pets in 2014. Research shows that 57.9% of cats and 52.7% of dogs are overweight or obese. The study also found 90% of owners of overweight cats and 95% of owners of overweight dogs incorrectly identified their pet as a normal weight.
“We’re seeing an increasing number of obese pets and the diseases that accompany excess fat,” reports Dr. Julie Churchill, the veterinary nutritionist at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. “Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and many forms of cancer are associated with obesity in animals. It is critical pet owners understand an overweight dog or cat is not a healthy pet.”
October 14th marks National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Obesity is something that we can prevent. Remember to allow the right amount of exercise and watch the eating habits of your pet. It’s time for us to slip on our running (or jogging) shoes and start exercising with our furry friends.
To learn more about the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention or the 2014 study, visit www.petobesityprevention.org.
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