The One Health Initiative recognizes the links among human, animal, and environmental health issues. Noting that wellness goals aren’t just species-specific, One Health’s global strategy aims to improve collaborations and communications in health care that crosses the divide between veterinary and human medicine with a mission to “promote, improve and defend the health and well-being of all species.”

One key indicator linking human-animal health concerns involves the 21st century “fast-paced, sedentary lifestyle.”  No time to walk the dog?  Humans aren’t the only ones missing out, not just on bonding time, but on the overall health benefits of exercise.  According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 57.9% of cats and 52.7% of dogs are overweight or obese.  In addition to a potentially decreased life expectancy, overweight companion animals face numerous resulting health risks including these and others:

• Arthritis
• Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart and Respiratory Disease
• Kidney Disease

It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding your companion animal’s ideal weight and steps to achieve it.  Additionally, you can find weight loss tools like daily feeding and activity logs from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention to help keep track of progress.

companion animal wellness is a human interest

The idea that “human health is inextricably linked to animal health” is not new, and this ever-increasing understanding is shaping innovative public health initiatives.  As more recognition emphasizes the importance of how companion animals can help people stay fit at all ages, “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” and other fitness initiatives are becoming increasingly commonplace. The human-animal bond, long recognized, is increasingly identified as both indicator and tool to improve overall physical and emotional health through the growing evidence recognizing these cross-species health connections.  The clear link between human and animal health suggests that in a significant way, companion animal wellness is a human interest.  The emergence of One Health’s cross-species awareness campaign offers numerous educational resources, so be on the lookout for a healthier lifestyle events for the whole family.