Is Your Cat Or Dog Obese? More Than 50 Percent Of American Pets Are Fat

First Posted: Jan 27, 2015 08:02 PM EST
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Statistics show that more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Yet did you know that many of our pets are also too heavy?

One of every five pet cats and dogs is considered to be obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention.

Overweight and obese pets are at an increased risk of osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory issues, cranial cruciate or anterior knee ligament injury, kidney disease and cancer. These and other related obesity health issues can take up to two-and-a-half years off your pet's life.

And some of these weight-gaining issues can be even more common among pets during the colder months of the year, as the temperature drops and owners are less likely to go outside with their pet for exercise.

As this happens, many owners may also overfeed their pet. Health officials believe that reducing your pets' food intake by around 25 percent and limiting the number of treats and snacks they are given can help reduce food intake by close to 25 percent, according to Science Recorder.

Make sure to talk with your veterinarian about what food is right for your pet. Picking out the best dietary option can really make a difference in their life. 

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).      

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