BREA, Calif., Dec. 30, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Studies show between 25 and 40 percent of all American household pets are overweight or obese. According to the nation's largest pet insurer, this trend is leading to a steady rise in obesity-related pet illnesses and increased veterinary costs.
According to actuarial data compiled from Veterinary Pet Insurance, heart-related claims have risen more than 47 percent in the past two years. In addition, claims for other obesity-related illnesses, such as diabetes and joint/back issues, have increased steadily.
"Humans aren't the only Americans being affected by our obesity epidemic-millions of American pets are growing from fluffy to flabby," said Dr. Peter Weinstein, medical director of Veterinary Pet Insurance and president of the California Veterinary Medical Association.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, up to 60 percent of American adults are overweight or obese. Additionally, an article printed in the Journal of Nutrition indicates obese pet owners are up to three times more likely to have overweight dogs.
"As we have moved to a more sedentary and pampered culture, so have our pets," said Weinstein. "Today, pets enjoy the same comfort food choices, plush surroundings and relaxed lifestyles that many Americans typically enjoy."
If your pet waddles, has a pendulous abdomen, and doesn't have the pep it used to have; your pet may be overweight. Pets that are 10 percent to 15 percent above the ideal body weight for their specific breed are considered obese.
Reasons for pet obesity include a lack of exercise and overfeeding and a variety of medical causes including hypothyroidism. Eager to please their pets, owners often indulge their pets with snacks and treats, or feed them human food. Age can also be a factor. After the age of seven, pets gain weight more easily as their metabolism slows.
According to Weinstein, once pets are suffering from obesity, veterinarians can help produce and monitor a diet and exercise plan to help animals return to a healthy weight. Of course, preventing obesity is much easier than losing unwanted weight once it's gained.
"In order to prevent pets from becoming obese, pet owners should monitor portion size, avoid table scraps and get lots of exercise with their pets," Weinstein said. "Regular check ups with a veterinarian are one way to keep a close tab on your pet's health and obesity. The earlier you catch a weight-related issue, the less life threatening it might become."
VPI policy plans not only cover accident and illness claims, but can pay for routine care coverage, such as an annual check-up, vaccinations, teeth cleaning and spay/neuter procedures.
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Veterinary Pet Insurance is the nation's oldest and largest health insurance plan for pets. The company was founded in 1980 to help end "economic euthanasia" and is committed to making the miracles of veterinary medicine affordable for all pet owners. Policies cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional vaccination and routine care coverage is also available.
Policies are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company, in Madison, Wisconsin and a subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. For more information about VPI policies, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit www.petinsurance.com.
VPI's parent company, Veterinary Pet Services, Inc., is an SEC-reporting company whose stock is not publicly traded.
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