The Humanization of Pets and the Epidemic of Pet Obesity: A Growing Concern

The Humanization of Pets Leads to Rise in Pet Obesity

With the humanization of pets on the rise, so too is the prevalence of pet illness, particularly obesity-related health problems for dogs and cats in the United States. Despite years of warnings, many pet owners remain unaware of the issue within their own homes.

A recent survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) in winter 2023 revealed some startling statistics. Only 28% of cat owners and 17% of dog owners acknowledged that their pets were overweight, while 84% of dog owners and 70% of cat owners believed their pets’ body condition was healthy. These figures do not align with the real pet obesity rates observed by veterinary professionals.

In the 2022 survey, veterinarians classified 59% of evaluated dogs as overweight or obese, a 3% increase from 2018. Similarly, 61% of evaluated cats were deemed overweight or obese in 2022. Despite these findings, there remains a significant discrepancy between the prevalence of pet obesity and pet owners’ recognition of the issue.

Ernie Ward, DVM, founder and president of APOP, emphasized the importance of awareness in treating pet obesity. While many pet owners reported efforts to help their pets lose weight, only a small percentage had put their pets on therapeutic weight loss diets.

One of the barriers to addressing pet obesity is the fear of upsetting pet owners, as revealed in the survey. However, the majority of pet owners expressed interest in their pet’s body condition and were open to discussions about obesity with their veterinarians.

As World Pet Obesity Week approaches in October 2024, APOP and the World Pet Obesity Association will conduct a biennial survey to further understand and combat this critical issue. It is crucial for pet owners to be aware of their pets’ weight and take steps to promote healthier lifestyles for their furry companions.