In a press release this morning, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reveals the result of a survey given to veterinarians in 2012. An astounding 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats are overweight or obese. This means approximately 80 million US dogs and cats are at health risk for diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and cancer.
"Pet obesity remains the leading health threat to our nation's pets." stated APOP's founder and lead veterinarian for the survey Dr. Ernie Ward. "We continue to see an escalation in the number of overweight cats and an explosion in the number of type 2 diabetes cases."
Dr. Ward says there is a connection between obesity in pets and that of children. he suggested children get outdoors and walk the family dog. Walking would be the best natural way to lose weight. Studies have shown that exercise decreases appetite while burning calories.
It is possible that people aren't aware of what the normal weight should be for their pets. Few realize that animals are susceptible to many of the same health problems that humans suffer.
Having a fat cat may be laughable to some, but this situation underscores the need for people in America to understand what a single serving size of food looks like. Cutting back on portion size is no longer an option with the cost of healthcare spiraling out of control.
Visit Purina Cat Chow to learn what a cat should weigh and how to keep your cat healthy.
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