Obesity in Pets - Out of Control

When Pat Bay was recognized for having one of the Top Ten Pet Fitness Products for 2010 for our 3M reflective leash and collar covers I had no idea what or who the APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) was. The competition was run internal to the APOP so the product providers had no idea their products were being reviewed and considered.

The APOP has an important message to pass on. If you want your pet to live as long as possible then keep them fit. It appears that we are not doing a very good job as the following figures from the 2009 APOP study will attest:

• An Estimated 51.5% of Dogs and Cats in the United States are Overweight or Obese
  • An Estimated 89 million US Dogs and Cats are Overweight or Obese

• An Estimated 15% of US Dogs and Cats are Obese
  • An Estimated 26 million US Pets are Obese

• An Estimated 45% of US Dogs are Overweight or Obese (BCS 4-5)
• An Estimated 8.6% of US Dogs are Obese (BCS 5)
  • 35 million US Dogs are estimated to be Overweight or Obese
  • 6.7 million US Dogs are estimated to be Obese

• An Estimated 58% of US Cats are Overweight or Obese (BCS 4-5)
• An Estimated 21.4% of US Cats are Obese (BCS 5)
  • 54 million US Cats are estimated to be Overweight or Obese
  • 20 million US Cats are estimated to be Obese

  2009 US Pet Population (Source:  American Pet Products Manufacturers Association)
  Dogs	77.5 million
  Cats	93.6 million
  Total Dogs and Cats	171 million

• Approximately 62% of US households own at least one pet = 71.4 million homes

Did you realize a 12 pound Yorkie is the same as an average female weighing 218 pounds and a 14 pound cat is equivalent to a 237 pound man? Did you consider that a 90 pound female Labrador retriever is equal to a 186 pound 5’ 4” female or 217 pound 5’ 9” male or a fluffy feline that weighs 15 pounds is equal to a 218 pound 5’ 4” female or 254 pound 5’ 9” male? Source -APOP


So when you consider giving your dog or cat that extra cupcake or whatever it is think again. That is of course if you want to keep your pet around. They get many of the same diseases we get if we are obese or overweight. Have a look at the APOP website. Some interesting tools and information.

Have to run and take some food out of Jindo's dish!

Be Safe