Experts Say Pet Obesity On the Rise- 8th Year in a Row

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Nationwide statistics reveal a worrying trend: our cats and dogs are getting fatter with each year.


You might think that your chubby kitty or pooch look adorable with that extra fluff, but the real truth is not cute at all. Putting on extra weight could have a severe impact on your companion’s wellbeing. Pets that are overweight have a lower quality of life than their fitter friends- and a shorter lifespan as a result. And as if the issue of pet obesity wasn’t worrisome enough in itself, Nationwide statistics revealed that the number of overweight pets has been on a constant rise for the last 8 years.


Nationwide, which is a major pet insurance company, reports that a fifth of all pet insurance claims was filed because of obesity-related issues. This translates to a whopping $69 million in vet bills, and marks a 24% increase than in the previous 8 years. The most common problems for obese dogs were arthritis, urinary and bladder issues, and liver disease. Other frequent conditions caused or exacerbated by the pet’s weight included diabetes, heart issues, spine injuries and more. For felines, the number one problem was urinary tract diseases, closely followed by chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and asthma.


In their desire to help pet parents establish a healthy routine for their furballs, Nationwide recommends the following steps:


  • Avoid feeding your pet table scraps
  • Keep a consistent diet by monitoring the amount of food you give your pet
  • Regulate the amount of treats you give your pet and choose small treats, even for large dogs
  • Establish a healthy and fun exercise schedule


Not only that these tips are actually helpful for people looking for a reliable solution for their pet’s issue, but the company’s timing is ideal, as well. The start of a new year presents itself as a perfect opportunity for pawrents to consider putting their pet on a weight loss regime. After all, experts have proven that pet owners are to blame for their cat’s or dog’s excess fluff, so it’s only fair we help them lose it.

Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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