It is common knowledge have too many overweight cats and dogs; 59.5 percent of cats and 55.8 percent of dogs. What is increasing is the percentage of obese pets according to new research from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. In 2018, 18.9 percent of dogs and 33.8 percent of cats were obese compared to 2013 where 16.7 percent of dogs and 27.4 percent of cats were obese.
What should be highly disturbing for animal health pros, is the feedback from animal owners reported about getting guidance.
Pet owners shouldn’t be afraid of bringing up any health concerns, especially because many vets are afraid of annoying or embarrassing owners. According to the survey:
- Only 38 percent of pet owners said their veterinarian had suggested a weight-loss diet or routine
- Twenty-two percent said they “had to ask,”
- 40 percent said they “received no dietary advice.”
Source: USA Today, March 12, 2019. Link.
Pet owners should worry less about the amount of food that their pet is eating and more about ensuring their pet is getting enough nutrients and calories for the animal’s breed and level of activity,” says Ernie Ward, DVM. “The biggest culprit in preventing cats and dogs from shedding extra pounds is treats.”
INSIGHTS:
USA Today and usatoday.com reach approximately seven million readers daily. Please share this article with veterinary team members. Consider getting the whole team in agreement about how to approach the fat cats and fat dogs who waddle into the practice. Quit worrying about hurting owners’ feelings. Work with pet diet representatives to train staff on labels, ingredients and how to discuss diet benefits beyond the marketing lingo.
“100 percent of dogs and cats that enter a veterinary practice or retail location consume a pet diet of some type.” – Fritz Wood, veterinary industry business and financial consultant