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.”
PRESS RELEASE: The Farmer’s Dog Announces Charter Sponsorship of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
The Farmer’s Dog, the pet-food company delivering vet-developed, science-backed, human-grade fresh dog food, today announced its charter sponsorship of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). The Farmer’s Dog will support APOP’s important work improving pet longevity and quality of life by treating and preventing obesity.
Don’t Chase a Number on a Scale: Transcending Weight in Animal Obesity Research and Care
Body weight is a poor individual indicator of overall health and disease risk.
Obesity is a disease, not a social construct.
For decades, those two statements have caused confusion and controversy within the human and veterinary medical professions. Research into health outcomes has shown that excessive emphasis on body weight, particularly when applied to calculations of weight and height (Body Mass Index or BMI), can lead to potential misinterpretation of results and incomplete conclusions. Defining obesity in terms of volition and choice undermines the multitude of physiological causes for 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.
2023 World Pet Obesity Awareness: Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Jason Gagné
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announced World Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 11, 2023. Up to 63% of pet cats and 59% of pet dogs are estimated to be overweight or have obesity in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This week, we have a clinical nutrition expert to discuss a recent pet owner survey and how you can help your pet patients seeking to achieve a healthy body condition.
2023 World Pet Obesity Day Press Release
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announced October 11, 2023, is World Pet Obesity Awareness Day. During October, APOP and WPOA encourage all veterinary professionals and pet owners to measure their pets’ health by performing a body condition score (BCS), weighing their pets, and calculating daily calories to feed. The groups also ask veterinary professionals and pet owners to visit petobesityprevention.org to participate in their annual survey.
Being Active With Your Dog
Dog parents simply want their dog to be happy. But what can we do to ensure we’re providing the best quality of life for our canine companions? Helping your pooch achieve a long, healthy, and happy life only requires your commitment, consistency, and creativity in providing a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and a nurturing environment. Here are a few tips to guide you on being active with your dog for a lifetime of good health.
2022 Survey Reveals Alarming Rates of Pet Obesity in the US
2022 Pet Obesity Survey Results
Fit or Fluffy? How to Tell if Your Cat is Overweight
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 60% of favorite feline family members are overweight or have obesity. Here are a few tips to tell if your cat is more than fluffy.