One Out Of Every Four Dogs And Cats In The Western World Now Obese, Report Finds

(Tuesday, February 21, 2006) - With 63 percent - a full 69 million - of all U.S. households owning a pet and with overall U.S. growth in the pet supplies and services market weighing in at a staggering $35.9 billion last year, American's clearly regard their pets as bona fide family members. Why, then, do most reserve the health benefits of exercise for humans, when Fido and Felix would equally benefit from daily physical fitness?

In fact, the U.S. obesity epidemic is not exclusive to people. According to a report issued by the National Academy of Sciences, "one out of every four dogs and cats in the western world is now obese. Like obese humans, they run a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and joint and hip difficulties."

"With the trend of pet ‘humanization' on the rise in terms of how pets are treated, equipped and pampered – often in much the same way as humans – its surprising that many pet owners don't consider exercise as a fundamental way to assure their dog or cat's happiness and overall well-being," says Paul Mann, founder of FETCH! Pet Care - the nation's largest and most sophisticated pet care franchise.

With this in mind, Mann offers pet owners these benefits of four-legged fitness:

· Energy: Daily walks or play sessions are a great way of energizing lethargic and/or overweight pets, and will give them a much-needed spring in their step;

· Socialization: New pups, adopted pets, those received as gifts and/or the timid especially benefit from daily exposure to, and playful interaction with, both humans and other dogs;

· Temperament: High strung, hyperactive or even aggressive dogs are often quite calm and relaxed after a good day's workout. Regular exercise will keep these angst-ridden pets in a greater state of contentment;

· Sleep: Want a good night's sleep? So does your pet! Daily exercise can greatly improve the quality of Fido and Felix's overnight slumber – and in doing so, perhaps yours as well;

· Happiness: Pets that exercise daily often thrive on, and return, the love and attention they receive from humans and their furry friends during the process;

· Health: As with humans, daily exercise provides the body with a variety of health benefits, including improved metabolism and digestion, enhancement of the immune system to better ward off illness, increases in bone and muscle density and overall strength, as well as maximized cardiovascular system function…just to name a few.

· Longevity: We all want our pets to be around as long as possible, and daily exercise is one way to help assure that. The multitude of health benefits daily exercise provides can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier and happier life.

How do you know if your pet is obese? According to the report, "A dog is at an ideal weight when one can easily feel the ribs with a minimal amount of fat, and when the waist is easily observed behind the ribs when viewed from above… At an ideal weight, a cat appears well-proportioned, shows a moderate waistline behind the ribs, and has a thin covering of fat over the ribs and abdomen."

Mann notes, "As longer, warmer days fast approach, pet owners should take advantage and make sure their pets get some play time each and every day. Those who can't do this on a daily basis due to work or other obligations or physical limitations can locate a reliable pet sitting service like ours that offers single or group dog exercise, daily cat visits and day care services. Throughout each day these professional caregivers will get your pet moving with fun activity, while giving them attentive loving care in the process. Certainly a win-win situation all around."

The complete National Academy of Sciences announcement and report are available at http://national-academies.org

Please contact me at 858-577-0206 or merilee@kerncommunications.com to arrange a conversation with pet care expert Paul Mann. FETCH! Pet Care clients are also available for interview.

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