Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. A simple step is to start with better nutrition and becoming more aware of your feeding habits and the impact it can have your pet's life."įor more resources and education on pet weight management, and to view new animated mini-movies sharing the weight loss journey of 'Poochini 'and 'Moto', visit About Hill's Pet Nutritionįounded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. "We hope these new insights will help pet parents think differently about how they can express their love to their pets and spark conversations with their veterinarians.
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"Hill's Pet Nutrition is committed to ending pet obesity, so all pets can live long, healthy lives with their beloved families," said Dr. Marina Debernardi, DVM PhD, Global Chief Professional Veterinary at Hill's Pet Nutrition. They are also willing to give up technology, with 31% saying that they would stop checking social media for a month to help their pet lose weight! Pet parents are even willing to make sacrifices themselves, or even give up things they really enjoy if it would help their pet lose weight, with nearly half (49%) saying they'd be willing to go on a diet to help their pet have a healthy weight. Nearly half (49%) say giving fewer treats would help their dog or cat lose weight, just ahead of exercising more (48%) and giving less food during meals (41%). Most pet parents know monitoring treats is a key way to help their pets lose weight. IT'S EASIER SAID THAN DONE TO CHANGE BEHAVIORS Ultimately, veterinarians overwhelmingly recommend giving fewer treats (92%), more exercise (91%) and fewer table scraps (90%). However, those with overweight pets (31% with overweight dogs and 24% with overweight cats) feel it's harder to help their pet lose weight compared to before Covid-19, and 49% of veterinarians agree it's harder for pet parents to keep their pets at a healthy weight during the pandemic than before. Surprisingly, the majority of pet parents (52%) think it is easy to help their dogs or cats lose weight, but veterinarians disagree, with 91% saying it's harder than owners think. Veterinarians admit that giving treats in moderation is not an issue, with 56% advising that the occasional treat is fine, however 91% recommend giving fewer table scraps. Approximately 36% of pet parents say their pet normally gains weight over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's, and 44% say they expect their pet (and themselves!) to gain weight this season. Knowing that pet parents admit to spoiling their pets around the holidays, making people more aware of this change in behavior could help to manage their pet's weight problems. As a result, six in ten veterinarians say they anticipate the dogs and cats they see in January are more likely to be overweight or obese.
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Now with the holiday season in full swing, it's likely going to get worse before it gets better, with nearly 64% of pet parents admitting they spoil their dog or cat during the holidays. With people spending more time at home over the last nine months, treats are often given as a form of love, with more than half (53%) of pet parents saying they've been giving their pets treats for no reason. IRONICALLY, TOO MUCH 'TREAT LOVE' DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES IS THE MAIN CULPRIT Moreover, nearly two in three veterinarians say pet parents act surprised (64%) or defensive (64%) upon learning about their pet's weight issues. While a majority of pet parents (73%) say they would feel confident in knowing their pet is overweight without professional guidance, veterinarians state that only 12% of pet parents proactively flag concerns with their pet's weight. Since the start of Covid-19, one third (33%) of pet parents with an overweight pet say their pet became overweight during the pandemic.
OVERWEIGHT PETS: EVOLVING DURING COVID-19 According to veterinarians, more than 71% of pet professionals say the pandemic has impacted the way pets eat. Insights from a new survey from Hill's Pet Nutrition, conducted in partnership with Kelton Global, reveal that while overweight pets and pet obesity has been on the rise for years, Covid-19 has intensified this issue.
15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - While the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted everyday life this year, it's also taken a toll on our furry best friends' eating habits, activity level and weight that could affect their quality of life.