Exercise and Diet: A Simple Regimen for Preventing Obesity and Maintaining
Pet Health
BREA, Calif., March 29 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans' waistlines continue
to grow, so do their pooches' paunches.
According to the American Association of Obesity, 64.5 percent of adult
Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese.
But this epidemic isn't just affecting humans. More than 40 percent of
American household pets are overweight or obese, leading to a steady rise in
insurance claims for pet illnesses that can be obesity-related, according to
actuarial data released by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency
(VPI), the nation's oldest and largest health insurance provider for pets.
"It's shocking to learn that overweight owners are three times more likely
to have overweight pets," said Dr. Aine McCarthy, director of veterinary
marketing for VPI. "Pets are becoming obese by the millions and as Americans
continue to adopt a more sedentary and pampered lifestyle so will our pets.
Along with this increase in weight, VPI is seeing an increase in claims for
pet illnesses that are often obesity related, such as diabetes."
Pets that are 10 percent to 15 percent above the ideal body weight for
their specific breed are considered obese. Causes of pet obesity include lack
of exercise, improper pet food, overfeeding and age. As with humans, obesity
is known to be associated with or can exacerbate a variety of medical
conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and diabetes.
According to most recent data, since 2001 VPI has seen an annual steady climb
in the percentage of total claims that relate to the diagnosis of diabetes
mellitus.
It may not be that easy to tell if your pet is overweight. A waddling
gait or sluggish or lethargic behavior is a telltale sign. If owners cannot
feel or see their pet's ribs, they are probably overweight, says McCarthy. To
combat pet obesity, she suggests starting with the amount and type of food
being poured into your pet's bowl.
"Diet and portion size should be chosen with the help of your veterinarian
based upon the age and activity level of your pet," said McCarthy. "Try to
avoid rewarding or enticing your pet with too many treats-a common source of
excess calories. Look for healthy pet snacks or low-caloric treats available
at veterinary offices or pet stores."
Pet owners should also establish a regular exercise routine for their
pets. For dogs, a simple walk around the neighborhood is good for both pet and
owner. According to McCarthy, most dogs enjoy exercise unless they are sick
or in pain. Cats are less active by nature but can be enticed to play and
exercise with a variety of different toys.
"The earlier you catch a weight-related issue, the less life-threatening
it might become," urged McCarthy. "Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are
the best way to stay up on your pet's health and monitor weight, and a VPI Pet
Insurance plan can help cover the costs of veterinarian visits. It's never
too late to start reducing your pet. Pet owners usually don't know that their
pets are overweight, so in order to find out, visit your veterinarian."
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. is the nation's oldest and largest health
insurance plan provider for pets. The company was founded in 1980 and is
committed to making the miracles of veterinary medicine affordable for all pet
owners. VPI Pet Insurance plans 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 Co. in California and in
all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in
Madison, Wisconsin.
For more information about VPI Pet Insurance policies, call 800-USA-PETS
(800-872-7387) or visit http://www.petinsurance.com. VPI's parent company,
Veterinary Pet Services, Inc., is an SEC-reporting company whose stock is not
publicly traded.
SIDEBAR
VPI Policyholders Find a Trimmer Alex is a Happier Alex
Veterinarian advice proved crucial for VPI Pet Insurance policyholders
Paul and Crystal Wroten, whose dog Alex suffered from a health-threatening
weight issue in March of 2004. The Wrotens learned from their veterinarian
that Alex had gained 10-15 pounds due in part to his medication for irritable
bowel syndrome. To help reduce his weight, the Wrotens cut back his portions
and started taking Alex for 30-minute walks. Under his new regimen, it took
Alex less than four months to return to his ideal weight.
"Alex loves to exercise, and is a happier dog now that he's in shape,"
reported Crystal Wroten. "Maintaining a healthy weight has also helped keep
Alex's irritable bowel syndrome at bay. We are very grateful for our VPI Pet
Insurance policy, which has helped us significantly with the costs of Alex's
check-ups and medications and the improvement of his health."
VPI Pet Insurance plans not only help pay for unexpected costs associated
with accidents and illnesses, but provide benefits for annual check-ups,
vaccinations, teeth cleaning and spay/neuter procedures through the
Vaccination and Routine Care Coverage endorsement.
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