Preventative Care@3x

Pet too Fat? There’s an App for That!

May 28, 2014 | Arizona Pet Health


Obesity is an epidemic, so it’s not surprising to find that obesity rates for pets are steadily climbing nationally and internationally. According to APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention), 52.6% of US dogs and 57.6 of US cats are overweight or obese. What is astounding is the number of pet owners who believe their pet’s weight to be normal, when their pet is in fact overweight. According to PetFoodIndustry.com, UK studies by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association showed that while 77% of veterinarians believed approximately 45% off all the pets they see are overweight, but 63% of the owners said their pets were at the correct weight.

So what are concerned owners to do? Happily, the age of Smartphone technology has brought a number of options. A wide range of pet related mobile apps are available for both iPhone and Android users.

The Fat Dog Diet app was developed by veterinarian Pat Khuly specifically to help address the growing number of dogs endangered by carrying excess weight. Pet enthusiasts Steve and Kate O’Brien developed the Slim Doggy app to help dog owners determine whether or not they are over or underfeeding their canine counterparts. With an extensive database of more than 3000 dog foods, activity tracking and other functions, it’s a great resource for keeping Fido fit and trim.

What About Fat Cats?

Cats are even more likely than dogs to be overweight. Steve and Kate O’Brien recently launched the feline counterpart to Slim Doggy, Slim Kitty and the vet behind Fat Dog Diet is planning to launch a similar application soon. We encourage all responsible pet owners to watch their animal’s weight and food intake, so it’s worth exploring all the tools available to keep animals healthy and happy longer.

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.