American Pets Are Obese, Just Like American Humans

Delightful: apparently nearly half of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight

Our pets have an obesity problem. Just like us. This shouldn't be surprising: the same owners who are dictating generous diets for their pets are having trouble trimming their waistlines themselves. Still, there's something about a Wall Street Journal article telling you your dog is fat that catches the eye. Courtesy of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, we learn that nearly half of U.S. dogs and cats are considered overweight or obese.

The main culprits? They might sound familiar to pet owners:

[They are] owners who routinely overfeed pets, don't exercise them enough and are unaware of the severe, and costly, health problems caused by excess weight. Common woes include diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure and cancer. Research also suggests that pets fed less over their lifetime can live significantly longer.