How to help your overweight pet get healthy and lose weight | Humane World for Animals

They’re all over the internet. They’re wearing sweaters, rolling on floors and taking naps. They’re overweight pets, affectionately referred to as “chonks” online. They elicit a lot of love and laughs, but they can also suffer serious health issues.

Obesity is a disease impacting millions of pets. Around 60% of U.S. cats and dogs are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Research suggests a similar number of pets may be impacted in the UK, Brazil, China and other countries. And the number of overweight pets appears to be rising. 

These pets are at an increased risk of diabetes, joint issues, heart problems and certain types of cancer, among other concerns.

There are many reasons a pet can become overweight. “Too often we just simply say it’s a matter of overfeeding or under-exercising,” says Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Those are major components, he adds, but other factors such as genetics and medications can also play a role.

People with overweight pets may feel embarrassed or fear being criticized for how they’ve cared for their companion. That’s why it’s so important that conversations around pet obesity are nonjudgmental and focus on improving a pet’s quality of life, says Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian.

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