Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Fat Pets Are Getting Fatter Thanks to Fathead Humans
By
John Del Signore
Published Sep 21, 2010
Modified Sep 21, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 6
By
John Del Signore
Published Sep 21, 2010
Modified Sep 21, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Americans, by and large, are a bunch of fat, unhealthy bastards, and many of them (us?!) are also pet owners who lack the basic understanding that the diets of domesticated animals must be regimented. The most recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity found that 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats were overweight or obese; this represents a 2 percent increase in dog weight problems and a 5 percent increase for cats. But according to the website LiveScience, the trend may be tipping the other way: healthy pet food is a growth industry, and some pet owners are hiring personal trainers for themselves and their pets.
These photos illustrate the problem, which may seem funny at first glance, but pet obesity is no joke for animals who develop diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and other ailments. So after a vet told Texas dog owner Maribeth Ashley that her two dogs were at risk of developing hip dysplasia and heart problems, Ashley got a personal trainer to whip all three into shape. Now the three fatties "work through two-minute cardio blasts together," according to LiveScience. "Then Ashley drops to the ground for crunches and strength-training while Jennie and Pickles practice obeying 'sit' and 'stay.' " Sounds like it's time for a very special doggy episode of Thintervention? And it makes us wonder whatever happened to Prince Chunk, the fat cat who stole New Yorkers' hearts back in 2008.
Tagged
fat cat
fat dog
obesity
pets
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park on Monday.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 12, 2026 at 11:37 a.m. ET
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
News
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Inside the luxury Greenpoint high-rise powered by a rumbling generator for over a month
By
David Brand
Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .