(PCM) Is Fido looking a little hefty lately? If your furry friend is heavier than he should be, you’re not alone; studies suggest up to 60 to 70 percent of dogs and cats are overweight or obese! That’s right: the nation’s obesity epidemic doesn’t just affect children and adults, it affects our pets, too.
But just because the majority of dogs and cats are overweight – or worse, obese – doesn’t mean it’s okay. Luckily, steps are being taken to address the sad issue; pets are practically family, after all!
Introducing the nation’s first obesity clinic geared especially for pets: The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
“By employing sound, research-proven methods, Tufts’ Veterinary Obesity Clinic will help owners achieve safe and effective weight loss for their pets,” said Dr. Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, head of the clinic. “While the common perception leans toward overweight pets being happy, research has proven otherwise, and we hope to effect change in the obesity epidemic among companion animals.
Research from The Cummings School suggests that being overweight can lead to many complications in dogs and cats, including diabetes, orthopedic problems and respiratory complications, as well as reduced quality of life and life expectancy.
How does the clinic plan to reduce the pet obesity epidemic? By “providing effective weight loss programs for pets deemed to be overweight and obese, especially hard-to-manage cases and pets with multiple medical conditions, educating veterinary professionals and the lay public on how to prevent, identify and combat obesity within pets, and conducting state-of-the art clinical research on optimal methods for its treatment and prevention.” (source)
If you’re not in the Massachusetts area, talk to your veterinarian about safe and healthy methods for helping your pet lose weight and get back on a healthy track. It may even help you drop a few pounds! A study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Wellness Institute suggested that heavy pets can encourage overweight people to exercise with them and lose weight. It’s a win-win!
More:
The Pet You Don’t Want to Buy as an Adult
How Pets Can Make You A Healthier, Happier Person
