National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is celebrated by all pet owners to ensure the health of their beloved pets. Oftentimes, owners unintentionally give their pets too much food, leading to obesity. Pet obesity can cause a number of health problems and decrease lifespan.

History

Domestication of wild cats and dogs has been around for centuries, as well as the development of decorative breeds. It was only recently that animal rights activists have noticed that most animal species have a number of congenital diseases or disease propensities. This has made cats and dogs unable to survive in the wild, and so they need human care and special dietary nutrition. The Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity has been fighting this issue since 1998. In the United States, around 49 million dogs and over 50 million cats have symptoms of obesity. Such excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and a reduction in life expectancy.

Interesting facts

• Since 1998, the Guinness Book of Records has stopped awarding records to heavy pets in order to discourage owners from overfeeding their pets for the title.
• Since 2011, obesity among pets has become a mass phenomenon and has been compared to an epidemic.
• In 2013, the fattest dog in the world, Obi, who weighed 77 pounds, was able to lose 50 pounds.

How to take part

If your pet is overweight, it does not necessarily mean that it is healthy. You should take your pet to the vet for examination to determine the right diet for your pet. This day is meant to motivate pet owners to learn how to properly feed their pet and how to avoid obesity.

When is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day celebrated in 2023?

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is observed on the second Wednesday in October each year.

Observations