Pudgy Pets: A Real Problem

Keeping Pets a Healthy Weight

Our national obesity epidemic has extended to our furry best friends, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), which monitors the weight of dogs and cats in America.

According to the APOP, more than 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats in the U.S. are too heavy; about 9 percent of dogs and 21 percent of cats are clinically obese. That equals an estimated 89 million pets that are at high risk for developing conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

A Big Contributing Factor

Experts say pet treats are partially to blame, noting that many popular treats are filled with sugar, appealing to the sweet tooth of many dogs and cats. When the pets gobble up the treats quickly, owners are more likely to give another, and another.

Calculating Your Pet’s Daily Needs

Another problem, according to APOP, is that most pet owners aren’t aware of the caloric requirements of their pets, which often results in overfeeding. To see how many calories your pet needs each day, check out APOP’s website.

Signs Your Pet is Overweight

Your pet is a healthy weight if: his ribs are easily felt, he has no sagging stomach and you can see his waist when he is viewed from above, according to the APOP website. However, if you find it difficult to feel your pet’s ribs under his fat, he has a sagging stomach, he has a broad, flat back and no waist, he is overweight and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight will help him avoid succumbing to life-threatening health conditions.