Pet Obesity: Is Your Companion Too Fat?

Did you know that 52.5 percent of dogs in the U.S. and 58.3 percent of cats are overweight or obese? Is YOUR companion too fat?
Obesity isn't just on the rise in humans; it's also affecting your pets.

Pet obesity is a growing epidemic throughout the world and has similar consequences in cats and dogs as it does in humans.

Health risks, including type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, crippling arthritis and cancers, have been linked to obesity in pets.

Most owners are unaware that their companions are overweight, which has led to the growing problem of overweight pets getting even fatter.

According to a survey conducted by the Pet Obesity Prevention, 36.7 million, or 52.5 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, and 43.2 million, or 58.3 percent of cats are overweight or obese.

Does your furry friend fall into this category?

America's Pet Advocate and Author, Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM, discusses the issues with pet obesity, as well as prevention tactics and treatments to help your companion to live a healthier life.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 2
  • Audio File: staying_well/1347sw1b.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Ernie Ward, DVM
  • Book Title: Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter - A Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives
  • Guest Facebook Account: www.Facebook.com/DrErnieWard
  • Guest Twitter Account: @DrErnieWard
  • Guest Bio: Dr Ernie WardDr. Ward is a 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, founder of The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and author of Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter—A Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives.

    He has authored over 100 veterinary journal articles, texts, and training videos. He is a popular lecturer and media personality and has been a spokesman for the profession on the Rachael Ray Show, Animal Planet, CNN, NBC Nightly News, Today, Good Morning America, Nightline, and more.

    He has been awarded "Speaker of the Year" honors from both the North American Veterinary Conference and Western Veterinary Conference.
  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: Yes
  • Host: Melanie Cole, MS