06/12/2025
Ah, summer—the season of beach bodies and barbecues! But wait, before you start planning your own diet and exercise regimen, let’s not forget about our furry friends who might be eyeing those hot dog leftovers a little too closely. Yes, folks, it’s time to talk about pet obesity!
Did you know that 61% of cats and 59% of dogs are estimated to be overweight or obese? That’s right! According to petobesityprevention.org, our beloved furballs are packing on the pounds faster than we can say “treats.” But what causes this fluffy phenomenon? Well, it turns out that factors like breed, age, s*x, and whether your pet has been neutered play a role. And let’s face it—if you’re a couch potato with four legs who gets no exercise (we're looking at you, lazy dogs), you're more likely to look like a furry beach ball than a fit little pup.
So how do you know if your dog or cat is tipping the scales? Here are some quick checks: Can you see or feel their ribs? Does their waist resemble an hourglass when viewed from above? And for the love of kibble—does their belly tuck up nicely when viewed from the side? If your cat looks like they’ve swallowed a basketball instead of just enjoying life as an indoor feline overlord…well, we may have some work to do!
Obesity isn’t just about aesthetics; it can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems—you name it!
So what can we do about it? First off: portion control! Measure out those food servings instead of using whatever random scoop is lying around. Consistency is key—pick specific mealtimes. And let’s get moving! Increase activity levels with more walks for dogs, or interactive toys for cats that make them think (and move) for their treats. Not only will this help burn calories but also keep them from inhaling their food faster than us humans at an all-you-can-eat buffet!
Remember folks: preventing obesity in pets is truly a pain prevention method. So let’s all roll up our sleeves (or fur?) and get ready for summer!
Also please give some credit to our lovely photo model, Hudson, a staff pet. He's currently down to a healthy weight, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to use such a stunning photo for our post! 😉
