HEALTH - Vets Want Pet Obesity Recognized as a Disease

(Fredericton SPCA)

In an October 2016 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 53.9% of dogs and 58.9% of cats were classified as overweight or obese by their veterinary healthcare professional.

“Obesity continues to be the greatest health threat to dogs and cats.” states APOP Founder, veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward on their website.

“Obesity is a disease that kills millions of pets prematurely, creates immeasurable pain and suffering, and costs pet owners tens of millions of dollars in avoidable medical costs.”

The American Medical Association officially recognized human obesity as a disease in 2013, and Ward, along with many other veterinarians, wants the same recognition for animals.

Ward is working with nutritionists, surgeons and other veterinary experts on a proposal that could be presented to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as early as this summer.

The proposal will include a general definition of obesity, a clinical definition which includes a standardized body condition score scale, and best practices for treating obese patients and counseling pet owners.

If the AVMA declares that pet obesity is a disease, the hope is for greater awareness and acceptance of the need to diagnose and treat obesity.

More than 100 professionals from human and veterinary medicine, including Ward, attended the first Obesity Conference organized by World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s One Health Committee in November 2016.

The event addressed ways to prevent obesity in people and pets.

Ward believes obesity is a One Health issue since it is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in veterinary and human medicine.

If obesity is officially recognized by the AVMA as a disease, pet insurance companies may cover the condition one day.

New Venture Funding for Smart Pet Feeders

Investors have poured $4 million in funds into Petnet Inc., a company that makes SmartFeeder for dogs and cats that weigh up to 50 pounds.

The automatic feeder, controlled by the company’s mobile iOS app, will manage feeding times and determine portion sizes based on the pet’s age, weight and activity level. The app can also be used to find an optimal food for the pet, place an order and have it delivered to the pet owner’s home.

Petnet sees the SmartFeeder as a tool to combat the problem of pet obesity in the United States, with an estimated 52.7% of dogs and 57.9% of cats in the country overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

The primary risks of excess weight in pets include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart and respiratory disease
• Kidney disease
• Reduced life span

Pet owners will also, no doubt, be attracted to the convenience of being able to feed their pets on schedule even if they are late returning home from work.

Petnet currently sells its SmartFeeder on Amazon and in Target stores, with new distribution channels imminent.

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Introduces a Weight Loss Calendar

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. (Hill’s) has introduced a new weight loss calendar to help owners decrease their pet’s weight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention approximately 53% of American dogs and 58% of American cats are overweight (2014 Obesity Facts and Risks).

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention provides a list of health concerns that affect overweight cats and dogs:

• Osteoarthritis
• Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart and respiratory disease
• Cranial cruciate ligament injury
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Decreased life expectancy

The calendar provided by Hill's is designed to help pet owners keep track of their pet’s weight and energy levels. The calendar can be found here. Hill’s also provides Tips and Tools for pet weight loss. The website includes helpful information regarding exercise, body condition scoring, pet food calorie comparison graphs, and more.

Tiny's Weight Loss Challenge at Atlantic Regional Conference

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) released its 2012 National Pet Obesity Survey Results in March which reported rising numbers of overweight companion animals in the United States. 

The 6th annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey found 52.5% of dogs and 58.3% of cats were considered overweight or obese by their veterinarian. One hefty Canadian feline made national headlines when caregivers set a mission to regain a healthy weight and lifestyle for the cat. 

Introducing Tiny, an abandoned cat left in a cardboard box at the Fredericton Humane Society in December 2011. When Tiny arrived he weighed in at 30.2 lbs and was the largest cat the staff had seen. Concerned for his health, staff and volunteers started a Weight Loss Challenge for Tiny and after developing a following on social media, caught the attention of international media, ending up on CNN and People magazine's websites. 

In January 2013, Tiny was maintaining his goal weight of 15-17 lbs and adopted by his foster caregiver.  

At the Regional Conference in Halifax, 18 April 2013, Fredericton SPCA's Karen McGeean will present delegates with Tiny's story and the challenges faced by the SPCA during the campaign and the national success brought about by one cat's goal. 

The 2013 Regional Conference Tour will feature unique 
concepts from across the country during its 
Regional Innovation Showcase.

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