According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50 percent of the nation’s cats and dogs are overweight. And most owners don’t recognize it.
Garfield is not the only fat cat around.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says more than 50 percent of the nation’s cats and dogs are overweight. And just as concerning, more than 90 percent of their owners don’t recognize that their pet is carrying around extra pounds.
“People automatically think a fat cat is a happy cat,” says Ernie Ward, owner of Seaside Animal Care in Calabash, N.C. “But it’s not cute. It’s killing.”
Ward founded the organization in 2005 after realizing that many veterinarians were not talking to pet owners about obesity. Ten years later, he says, vets are finally having those necessary conversations.
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“It’s an emotional land mine,” Ward says. “You don’t know when you’re going to step on the wrong button because people inherently have a problem with questions (about how they’re) feeding pets because we equate love with food and treats.”
Not unlike humans, pets can face obesity because of too much food and too little exercise, says Eve Flores, a veterinarian and co-owner of DTLAvets with Leia Castaneda.
Overweight animals are more prone to a host of health conditions, including arthritis, high blood pressure and blindness.
Below are some suggestions from Ward, Flores and Castaneda for pet owners looking to improve pets’ health.
• Get your pet an annual checkup
• Read labels — don’t buy pet foods with unpronounceable ingredients
• Don’t overfeed
• Exercise your pet
Ward uses a simple equation to get through to his clients: “Fat equals inflammation, which equals disease which equals early death.” To avoid that, exercise is a must, he says. “It is as simple as walking your dog 30 minutes a day, interacting with your cat for five minutes three times a day.”
Flores adds that extending normal walking or play times by 10 minutes can do the trick.