Risks for overweight or obese pets

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Sometimes the chunkier pets are, the cuter. But that is not always a good thing.

"I believe it's become kind of the new normal," Dr. Emily Collins, a veterinarian said. "When someone looks an overweight or obese pet they feel like it's a healthy weight."

Dr. Collins said that overweight pets come into her office all the time.

"Overweight and obese pets are put at a higher risk for some diseases," Dr. Collins said. "Cats can develop diabetes that's insulin-dependent. Dogs can be pre-disposed to osteoarthritis."

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

Just like people, animals come in all shapes and sizes and the correct food portions will vary.

Dr. Collins's biggest piece of advice is to speak to your vet and come up with a meal plan and a serving size that work best for your furry companions.