Is Your Dog Obese?

Pet obesity is a growing epidemic. A survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and Mars Inc.'s Banfield Pet Hospital found that more than 50% of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese. An article in The Wall Street Journal explored the causes and treatments of pet obesity.

“The main culprit: owners who routinely overfeed pets, don't exercise them enough and are unaware of the severe, and costly, health problems caused by excess weight. Common woes include diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure and cancer. Research also suggests that pets fed less over their lifetime can live significantly longer.”
 

“To encourage weight discussions, Banfield is rolling out software into its 770 hospitals that will require vets to give pets a Body Condition Score on a scale of 1 (too thin) to 5 (obese) during routine office visits.”

Following feeding directions on packages can still result in overfeeding. Larger breeds need significantly more exercise than smaller breeds. Dog resorts, camps, and treadmills may be appealing, but the cheapest treatment is smaller healthier meals and more exercise for both dogs and owners!