Fattest Dogs and Cats in America

The annual report of veterinary clinic chain Banfield Pet Hospital is out and sadly points to an upward and constant trend in pet obesity. The comprehensive record on state of pet health in the US presents startling numbers of overweight cats and dogs in USA.  The latest study suggests one out of three American cats and dogs are overweight.

States with highest obese pet populations were named based on figures drawn out from 2.5million dogs and 505,000 cats treated by over 950 hospitals under the Banfield Franchise. 

The data collected by Association for Pet Obesity Prevention  states 59% cats and 54% dogs in the US to be overweight; this is even higher than numbers compiled by Banfield clinics that have aggregated 33% for cats and 30% for dogs as inappropriately fat.
According to experts at Banfield, an ideal weight for a dog or cat is when you can see its waist and feel the ribs. But when its ribs are visible, it means your pet is underweight.

American States with fattest dog populations in descending order:

1. Minnesota: 41 out of 100 dogs are diagnosed as obese.
2. Nebraska: 39% dogs are overweight.
3. Michigan: 38%
4. Idaho: 38%
5. Nevada: 36%
6. New Mexico: 34 out of 100 dogs were found overweight.
7. Washington: 34%
8. Utah: 34%
9. Indiana: 34%
10. Oregon: 34%

American States with the highest number of fattest Cats:

1. Minnesota: 46 of 100 cats fall under the over-weight category.
2. Nebraska: 43%
3. Iowa: 42%
4. Idaho: 40%
5. Delaware: 39%
6. Michigan: 39%
7. Nevada: 38%
8. Kansas: 38%
9. Utah: 37%
10. New Mexico: 37%

Chubby Chronicles

Sponge Bob, a ginger tom, gained the not so praiseworthy ‘most obese cat tag in the World’, in the year 2012 when it was 9 years old and weighed 33 pounds. Sponge Bob was dropped at a New York animal shelter called Animal Haven by its ailing owner who had to get admitted to a hospice. Later the cat even got adopted by a loving couple but shortly after died due to a pulmonary failure that doctors claimed wasn’t related to obesity.

SpongeBob's weight did interfere with the treatment, as it was considered very dangerous to operate on him. 

Sprinkles, a young domestic short hair cat that ideally should be weighing between 11 to 13 pounds, but weighed an enormous 32 pounds before she received medical assistance, a healthy diet and exercise routine to tackle obesity issues in the year 2015. This New Jersey feline came to be recognized as America’s fattest cat, with a weight same as that of an average four year old human boy/kid.

His new owner put him on a strict diet and included long walks in its daily routine. The dog also underwent a tummy tuck surgery to get rid of the numerous pounds of saggy skin from its transformed and slim body. It took more than a year for the pooch to reach a healthy weight of 27 pounds. His previous owners over fed him out of love and neglected exercising the dog due to their old age and failing health.

Overindulgence in food and a lack of exercise as reasons of pet obesity is a no brainer. Top culprit in this case was found to be human foods offered to dogs and cats. Regular work outs and healthy diet for dogs, cats and even rabbits is must but often overlooked by pet owners. Obesity in Pets may worsen into multiple health-related concerns:

1. High blood pressure.
2. Diabetes
3. Arthritis in Dogs
4. Certain cancers.
5. Obesity directly impacts the pet’s lifespan, shortening it by over two years.

How to make the shift from fat to fit?

At first, a thorough examination or tests should be carried out to rule out a latent medical condition for unhealthy weight.

Team up with a good veterinarian that will devise a weight loss regime for your dog/cat. Weight loss does not mean you starve the pet; it must be a gradual shift that spans out over a reasonable period of time. It is about staying within the daily quantity of food prescribed along with a daily work-out regimen. Some of the commercial dog food formula for obese dogs that are easily available in India includes Royal Canin Satiety  Dog Food and  VetPro Obesity Dog Food.

Excess weight may reach a level where moving around becomes immensely difficult. In this scenario walking the pet is an uphill struggle. Under water treadmill works wonders with fat dogs along with a low calorie food. With cats, use interactive exercises and cat toys that encourage the predator in them to chase its prey. Food dispensing puzzle toys are a great way to keep your cat moving and mentally stimulated.