2012 National Pet Obesity Survey Results
An unhealthy body weight is a leading health concern for companion animals in the U.S. The sixth annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey found that in 2012, obesity rates among dogs and cats increased, with the number of overweight cats at an all-time high. The results, based on data from 121 veterinary clinics in 36 states, showed that over half of dogs (52.5%) and cats (58.3%) in the study were found to be overweight or obese by their veterinarian. These proportions translate into a total of 36.7 million overweight or obese dogs and 43.2 million overweight or obese cats in the U.S.
“U.S. pet obesity rates continued to increase in 2012 with the number of overweight cats reaching an all-time high. The sixth annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats to be overweight or obese by their veterinarian. That equals approximately 80 million U.S. dogs and cats at increased risk for weight-related disorders such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and many cancers.”