OBESITY-RELATED PET ILLNESSES BALLOONING, INSUREER SAYS

Heart disease, diabetes, joint ailment and other obesity-related pet illnesses are increasing, and with them associated veterinary expenses, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea, California.

Heart disease-related claims in pets have risen 47 percent in the past two years, according to actuarial data compiled by the company. Claims for diabetes now rank No. 4 overall for the company.

Joint and back ailments have also increased steadily, the company said. Other than advocating weight control, VPI does not have current plans to promote pet fitness, such as paying for weight loss diets.

Additionally, it is unlikely that state insurance regulators would improve lower premiums for fit pets, company representatives said. Pets weighing 10-15 percent more than the ideal body weight for their breed are considered obese. Besides too much food and too little exercise, age can be a factor in obesity because pets’ metabolism slows at about age 7, the company reported.

Between 25 and 40 percent of American household pets are obese, the company reported. This compares to the estimated 60 percent of American adults believed to be overweight or obese by the American Medical Association.  A recent article in the Journal of Nutrition indicated obese pet owners are up to three times more likely to own overweight dogs.

“Humans aren’t the only Americans being affected by our obesity epidemic. Millions of American pets are growing from fluffy to flabby,” said Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA., medical director of Veterinary Pet Insurance and President of the California Veterinary medical association. “As we have moved to a more sedentary and pampered culture, so have our pets. Today, pets enjoy the same comfort food choices, plush surroundings and relaxed lifestyles that many Americans typically enjoy,” Dr. Weinstein said.

Obesity prevention is easier than weight loss, Weinstein said. “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,” he said. “The earlier you catch a weight-related issue, the less life threatening it might become.”

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