The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) announce that October 11, 2023, is World Pet Obesity Awareness Day. During October all veterinary professionals and pet owners are encouraged 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. 

According to the 2022 State of Pet Obesity Report, pet obesity rates in the United States have continued to increase, with 59% of dogs and 61% of cats classified as overweight or have obesity in 2022. This continues a worrying trend that has been documented over the last two decades. 

Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of APOP, stated, "Obesity poses a serious health risk to dogs and cats, and it is becoming increasingly common around the world. As APOP enters its eighteenth year and moves into the phase of promoting obesity treatments, we decided now was the time to expand our efforts internationally." 

Obesity in animals is clinically defined as a multifactorial disease caused by excessive adiposity that can lead to numerous medical conditions, orthopedic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, and types of cancer. 

One of the challenges in combating pet obesity is that many pet owners do not recognize when their pets are overweight or obese. In fact, according to APOP's research, nearly one-third of owners of overweight or obese pets mistakenly believe their pets have a normal body condition, which puts the pet at risk of developing various diseases. 

Dr. Ward notes, "One of the biggest challenges veterinarians in every country face is getting pet owners to recognize when their pets are overweight or have obesity. This is why it's so critical for veterinary professionals to discuss healthy weight with their clients and for pet owners to be proactive about their pets' health."

APOP has found that less than half of pet owners reported their veterinarian discussed their pet's ideal or healthy weight or body condition at an annual appointment. In 2022, only 49% of respondents reported that their veterinary professionals discussed their pet's ideal or healthy weight. This figure has consistently been 46% to 53% during the past decade of surveys.

Pet owners can also play a role in combatting pet obesity by being more mindful of their pets' nutrition and exercise. Dr. Ward encourages pet owners to be proactive about their pets' health and work with their veterinary professionals to create healthy weight plans for their pets. "Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets are healthy and happy," says Dr. Ward. "Ask your vet what your pet's body condition score, weight, and how much to feed during each routine exam."

"Pet obesity is a serious problem, but it's a problem we can solve. With continued awareness and innovation, combined with proactive pet owners, we can help our pets live longer, healthier lives," concludes Ward.

Thanks to Pet Drugs online for the infographic explaining the BCS.   To keep your dog happy and trim, why not check out a new walk route on Driving with Dogs and enjoy some outdoor time together.