Wednesday is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day and doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are encouraging pet parents to pay attention to the serious problem facing more than half of America’s pets.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is a day to raise awareness about the growing pet obesity problem in the U.S. as well as an opportunity to gather more information during the Seventh Annual Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey.
According to last year’s survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 55 percent of cats and dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese, while the 2011 survey showed an estimated 54 percent overweight or obese.
In addition to a decreased life-expectancy, animals that are overweight are at risk for cranial cruciate ligament injury, heart and respiratory disease, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes, as well as osteoarthritis.
“Pet obesity is one of the most preventable health problems facing pets,” said Dr. Neil Shaw, chief medical officer of BluePearl. “Controlling the amount of food your pet receives, ensuring your pet gets plenty of exercise and eliminating table scraps are the best ways to ensure a pet stays in shape.”
Along with diet and exercise, BluePearl Veterinary Partners recommends having your pet seen by your family veterinarian at least twice a year because pets age much faster than humans.
For more information about National Pet Obesity Awareness day, contact your veterinarian and visit: http://www.petobesityprevention.com/
About BluePearl Veterinary Partners
BluePearl Veterinary Partners employs more than 1,350 people including more than 350 veterinarians. BluePearl hospitals offer referral-only, specialty care services and most offer 24-hour emergency care. BluePearl does not provide primary care. The company is one of the world’s principal providers of approved veterinary residency and internship programs. BluePearl also participates in clinical trials that investigate the effectiveness of new veterinary drugs and treatments, providing pet families access to cutting-edge medicine that is not yet commercially available. BluePearl is headquartered in Tampa, Fla.
Contact:
James P. Judge
Media & Public Relations Manager
813.549.7688, office • 727.463.1295, mobile
SOURCE: BluePearl Veterinary Partners
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