Report reveals pet obesity still on the rise

The fourth annual Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET)® Report was published today. Focused on overweight pets and weight management, this year's report builds on the 2019 findings related to osteoarthritis in pets and its relationship with excess weight.

The prevalence of overweight and obese pets has reached epidemic levels in the U.S., with the 2020 VET Report revealing 51% of the 1.9 million adult dogs seen at Banfield's more than 1,000 hospitals nationwide in 2018 were overweight. Regardless of their age, less than 10% of those pets successfully lose weight following diagnosis, and of those that do, roughly 40% resume their overweight status within 12 months.

"As veterinary professionals, we strive to provide the best care for pets and the people who love them," said Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, chief medical officer, Banfield Pet Hospital. "Concerns with year-over-year pet obesity trends are aggravated by the condition's links to other diseases like arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular problems that have negative consequences for a pet's overall health. Our 2020 VET Report aims to provide veterinary professionals additional tools and insights to help improve their patients' comfort, mobility and quality of life – and ultimately, reverse these startling trends."

As the number of obese pets continues to grow, the diseases commonly associated with excess weight, including osteoarthritis, are on the rise as well. For the fourth consecutive year, Banfield and the NAVC are committed to educating veterinary professionals on how to help overweight pets get the care they deserve, and to engaging pet owners throughout the weight loss process.

"We are honored to partner with Banfield Pet Hospital on the fourth annual VET Report," said Dana Varble, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer, NAVC. "Their research reveals both the severity and complexity of the pet obesity crisis while providing veterinary professionals with new strategies to help pet owners to achieve not only, permanent and lasting weight loss in their beloved pets, but healthier, longer and more enjoyable lives."

For more information or to download the full report, visit Banfield.com/VETReport.