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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets announced the release of a new study examining the emotional toll of dogs with excess physical weight on their owners, in honor of National Pet Obesity Awareness Day.
The study found that one in five dog-owning households consider one or more of their dogs to be overweight.1 According to the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 59% of dogs assessed in the United States are either overweight (37%) or obese (22%), bringing the number of overweight dogs in the United States at a record level.2
Dogs do not always gain weight due to lack of care from their owners,” explained Ernie Ward, DVM, president of APOP.1 “On the contrary, an overweight dog can be a sign that the owner cares too much about their dog’s happiness. But even though it is often said that “food is love”, overfeeding a pet companionship could result in an overall reduced quality of life.”
According to the press release,1 The Pro Plan Veterinary Diets survey surveyed more than 600 dog owners in the United States who identified their pets as overweight and highlighted the emotional and physical factors that contribute to their pet’s overweight. The study also helped learn more about how factors prevent dog owners from helping their pets.
The study also investigated the emotional impact of excess weight gain in pets and found that2:
- 75% of owners surveyed feel guilty when their dog seems hungry.
- 67% agree that food is the main source of happiness and connection with their dog by giving them treats and want to continue to maintain this connection.
- 54% agreed to give their dog more food, table scraps or treats when they beg.
- 92% of owners surveyed agree that they are upset when their pet cannot participate in activities they previously enjoyed before becoming overweight.
- 45% said their dog didn’t have a lot of energy to play.
“The results demonstrate that many owners of overweight dogs feel conflicted about what their pet’s quality of life means,” said Jason Gagné, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), director of veterinary communications for Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. .1 “While owners recognize that excess weight prevents their dogs from participating in activities they once enjoyed, they also worry that their dogs will be unhappy if dietary changes are made.”
The references
- New survey reveals huge impact of excess weight on dogs and their owners. Press release. Purine. October 11, 2023. Accessed October 11, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-reveals-the-weighty-impact-of-excess-weight-for-dogs–and-their -owners-301953049.html
- 2022 Report on the State of Pet Obesity in the United States. The Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity. Accessed October 11, 2023. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6425ec5d33eaaa634113b2d4/t/6454f61c0cad164860799c8f/1683289630779/2022+State+of+US+Pet+Obesity+Report.pdf