Despite veterinarians’ reports that nearly half the they see are overweight or obese, only 17 percent of their owners acknowledge it. Others may realize it, but don’t see the increased weight as a problem. It is a serious problem, according to pet health insurer Nationwide. It reports that obesity in dogs and cats has risen eight years in a row. Obesity related insurances claims for veterinary expenses exceeded $69 million in 2017.
Source: The New York Times, February 4, 2019. (paywall) Link. Common obesity-related ailments in dogs and cats include arthritis, heart disease, bladder and urinary tract disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and spinal disease.
INSIGHTS: This column may encourage pet owners who recognize the author’s name, Jane Brody, to monitor their pet’s food intake. She’s a health columnist for The New York Times and has been on the best sellers list with books about food and nutrition.
We’ve posted about pet obesity recently. They include:
December 4, 2018: How to exercise an overweight cat Link.
November 27, 2018: Dog food: guidelines for how much and when. Link
August 7, 2018: Our pets are fat and getting fatter. Link.