National Pet Obesity Awareness Day sheds light on the serious health risks associated with overweight pets every second Wednesday of October. Take action to ensure your furry companions lead long, healthy lives by understanding proper nutrition and exercise. Consult your vet, adjust diets, and increase playtime to combat pet obesity.
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Expected National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Deals
On National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the focus shifts from commercial sales to promoting pet health and wellness. Many veterinary clinics, like Banfield Pet Hospital and local independent practices, offer free or discounted weight assessments and nutritional counseling. Pet food brands such as Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo often share educational content on portion control and healthy ingredients, sometimes with coupons for their weight-management formulas. Organizations like the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) partner with retailers like PetSmart and Petco to host awareness events and provide resources on preventative care. Look for local shelters and rescues to host adoption events for active pets. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and educational events as October 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PetObesityAwareness. Share photos of your pets enjoying healthy activities or balanced meals, encouraging others to do the same.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PetHealth. Share educational infographics about pet weight management and invite followers to share their tips.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PetObesityAwarenessDay. Tweet alarming statistics about pet obesity and link to resources for pet owners seeking help.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Hero
Dr. Ernie Ward
History of National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
While humans have domesticated animals for hundreds of years, only most recently have we seen such an exponential increase of plus-sized pets. While it’s hard to say no to those precious faces when it comes to food, it’s important to practice discipline for the safety and well-being of our beloved companions. It starts with recognizing there is a problem. Pet owners think their obese dog or cat is a normal weight, making confronting obesity difficult. No one wants to think their pet is overweight, and overcoming denial is our first battle. Currently more than half of all domestic dogs and cats are clinically overweight, which is to say their body condition score is above a four. That amounts to nearly 49 million dogs and more than 50 million cats who are a bit portlier than their peers. This can lead to serious health issues for these animals including diabetes, arthritis, decreased life expectancy, high blood pressure and cancer. Not only will it be hard for your pet, but it will be hard for you to watch, not to mention these conditions can quickly become very costly. The good news is that pet obesity can be easily prevented by taking a few cautionary steps, thanks to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day timeline
The Guinness World Records stopped awarding records to the heaviest pets to avoid pet owners from overfeeding.
APOP conducts its first survey, finds pet obesity is on the rise
Pet obesity labeled and epidemic, with pets getting bigger than ever
The world's fattest dog, a Dachshund named Obie that weighed 77 lbs, lost an entire 50 pounds.
Survey finds that pet owners think differently about pet diets than veterinarians.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day FAQs
When is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day?
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, October 14, reminding pet owners to prioritize their companions’ health. It’s a key date for addressing a widespread issue.
How many pets are affected by obesity?
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), approximately 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the U.S. were classified as overweight or obese in 2023. This highlights a significant health challenge for millions of pets.
What are the health risks of pet obesity?
Pet obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions in 2026, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. It can also shorten a pet’s lifespan and reduce their quality of life.
How can I help my pet lose weight?
Helping your pet lose weight in 2026 involves a combination of diet and exercise. Consult your veterinarian to determine an appropriate calorie intake and a safe exercise plan tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and current health status. Avoid overfeeding and limit treats.
How to Observe National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Identify if your pet needs help
There are several ways to find out for certain if you need to put your pet on a restrictive diet. One of the easiest is to consult the resources offered by APOP, which include easy to use at-home body condition tests. Sometimes, we may not even be aware when our pets become overweight, so it’s important to know at what point it becomes a medical problem.
Take part in the survey
Every year, APOP conducts a survey on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, which helps collect data from around the country. This information is then used to create a snapshot of the state of pet obesity, and help put together a plan to tackle it. By taking part in the survey, you’re doing your part to help take on this challenging issue.
Take your dog for a walk or to the dog park
If you’ve been neglecting getting your dog out of the house, make today the day to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Give it freedom to romp and sniff, and run if given the opportunity. Or even better, head to the local dog park, where it can socialize with other dogs and run off-leash for great, sustained exercise.
5 PET WEIGHT FACTS
No Crackers for Polly
Obesity is the number one health problem in pet birds. Most birds have food available all the time, so they don't have to work for their dinner
The thick check
To check if your pet is obese or overweight, you should be able to easily feel your pet's ribs without pressing on the pet and your pet’s stomach should be tucked in.
Chunkiest States
The five US states that rank highest for obese dogs are: Minnesota, Nebraska, Michigan, Idaho and Nevada.
Pet weight is different
Pet weight is harder to lose: one pound lost in a canine is the equivalent to five human pounds – that means that each pound lost will be gradual and significant.
High-Risk Dogs
Two dog breeds that are considered high-risk for obesity are Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
Why National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is Important
Obesity is a growing risk
For years APOP has been conducting surveys to determine the state of health our pets are in, and unfortunately, it has determined that our pet obesity problem is only getting worse. In 2013, cats were heavier than ever, and the rate of overweight cats and dogs has grown slightly over the years. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness of how to keep our pets slim and spry.
Obesity causes serious health issues
Obesity in pets means more than just lazy animals. APOP data show obesity leads to reduced life expectancy, diminished quality of life, chronic inflammation, orthopedic disease, kidney dysfunction, respiratory disorders, cancer, and more. To give our pets the best life possible, we have to help them avoid packing a few extra pounds.
It spreads knowledge
Thanks to making it a national holiday, pet owners are now armed with the tools and information they need to keep their dog or cat healthy. APOP offers several resources, including at-home body condition tests, questions to ask the vet, pet caloric needs, ideal weight ranges, and more. By spreading this information, APOP hopes to significantly reduce the number of obese pets in the near future.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 8 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 14 | Wednesday |
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