Articles and News
Survey Reveals Pet Owners Don’t Recognize Excess Weight, Struggle with Pet Weight Loss, and Give Lots of Dog Treats
A recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity (APOP) sheds light on pet weight concerns in the United States. The 2022 U.S. Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey found a staggering 61% of cats and 59% of dogs are overweight or have obesity, indicating a widespread problem with pet health. However, a survey conducted in Winter 2023 among pet owners and veterinary professionals showed a lack of awareness about this issue. Only 28% of cat owners and 17% of dog owners acknowledged that their pets were overweight, with 84% of dogs and 70% of cat owners assessing their pets’ body condition as healthy.
“Over the past two decades, we have consistently observed a significant discrepancy between the prevalence of pet obesity and pet owners' recognition of this issue,” observed APOP Founder and President. Dr. Ernie Ward. “Pet owners reporting that ‘pet obesity is a problem, but not for my pet’ continues to be a communication hurdle for veterinary professionals. While the causes of obesity in animals are multifactorial, awareness of an unhealthy body condition is the first step in treating the disease.”
Dr. Ernie Ward talks pet obesity and prevention with Steve Dale on WGN Radio
Founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Dr. Ernie Ward, says the issue is far more complex than people merely offering too much table food. So, what exactly has been going on? And why with every passing year are there more and more obese dogs/cats? And it’s not only about weight, but also about body condition score. Clearly, our pets would live longer and healthier and even happier lives if they were not so many overweight/obese dogs/cats.
"Fat Cats and Greedy Dogs": Discussion of Animal Obesity on Social Media Varies by Species
If you scroll social media these days, you’ll likely run across a funny cat video. A seemingly endless pageant of feline videos has crowned internet celebrities, inspired international ad campaigns, and even earned their own award ceremonies. As you peruse your social media feeds, you’ll also see many dogs hiking trails, leaping for frisbees, and traveling with their humans. These doggie influencers amass huge online followings, and their posts garner thousands of comments. As you look closer, you’ll also see that how we portray and discuss dogs and cats varies widely.