More than half of pet dogs (56%) and cats (54%) in the U.S. are overweight, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. About a third of cats (32%) and 35% of dogs in the study are overweight; 22% of cats and 21% of dogs are obese.
Obesity rates among pets have increased every year since the group began measuring in 2007. Between 2007 and 2010, obesity among cats climbed 16% and that among dogs doubled (calculations by Research Alert). The authors note that improved measurement standards for obesity among dogs may be partly responsible for the large increase.
Fewer than one in 10 cats (7%) or dogs (5%) are considered “thin.” Fewer than 1% of either species are underweight. [Pets]
Source: “2010 Pet Obesity Survey,” Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Dr. Ernie Ward, President, 9256 Beach Dr., Calabash, NC 28467; 910-579-5550; drward@seasidevet.com; www.petobesityprevention.com
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