Make a New Year's Resolution to Lose Weight - For Your Dog

With Millions of U.S. Dogs Overweight or Obese, and Most Owners
Unaware of the Problem, Veterinarians Lend Helping Hand With
First-Ever National Canine Weight Check This February
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--As millions of Americans vow to get healthier and stave off
illness by making a New Year's resolution to lose weight, it's time
for dog owners to make a similar pledge for their furry friends.

Recent studies indicate that 25 to 40 percent of U.S. dogs -
approximately 17 million - are overweight or obese and potentially
facing serious health problems. What's more troubling is that many
owners may not be aware if their own dogs are at risk. To help owners
determine whether their own dog is at its ideal weight and understand
the health implications of canine obesity, thousands of veterinarians
across the country have teamed up to participate in the first-ever
National Canine Weight Check.

During the month of February, pet owners are invited to bring
their dogs to participating veterinary practices for free weight
assessments, including breed-specific information. The month-long
health initiative will also help raise awareness of the serious
medical issues associated with overweight and obesity in dogs
including heart disease, arthritis, skin conditions and breathing
problems. Additionally, obesity can worsen the signs associated with
pre-existing diseases such as high blood pressure, hormone disorders
and joint disease.

National Canine Weight Check

Dog owners can log on to www.StopCanineObesity.com to find a local
veterinarian participating in the National Canine Weight Check and
find out the specific dates and times that free weight checks are
being offered.

The National Canine Weight Check is a public service supported by
the American Kennel Club Humane Fund and veterinarians across the
country, through a sponsorship by Pfizer Animal Health. "People make
New Year's resolutions for themselves in January. We're asking dog
owners to make February the month they concentrate on their dogs'
health by getting free weight checks," said Lisa Peterson with the
American Kennel Club Humane Fund. "By helping dog owners identify the
healthy weight for their individual dog, we are hoping to lessen the
prevalence of the serious medical conditions associated with
overweight or obesity."

Canine obesity is a growing problem. In 2006, two surveys of U.S.
veterinarians and dog owners revealed that many dog owners may not be
aware if their dogs are the proper weight. The surveys showed that
while veterinarians estimate 47 percent of their canine patients are
overweight or obese, only 17 percent of dog owners saw their
overweight dogs as unhealthy or obese. While some dog owners realize
canine obesity is a serious condition, many may have trouble
recognizing that their own pet is at an unhealthy weight. Ten extra
pounds on a person may not seem to be that much, but a 40-pound dog
with 10 additional pounds is 25 percent over its ideal weight.

"What we've found in talking with dog owners is that it's
difficult for them to see the reality that their own pet may be
overweight or obese, instead of just chubby or fluffy," said the AKC's
Peterson. "That's the point of the National Canine Weight Check - to
provide free screenings on an individual basis to help America's
dogs."

About the American Kennel Club Humane Fund

The AKC Humane Fund's mission is to unite a broad spectrum of
animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible and
productive pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making.

About Pfizer Animal Health

Pfizer Animal Health is dedicated to improving the safety,
quality, and productivity of the world's food supply by enhancing the
health of livestock and poultry; and in helping companion animals live
longer, healthier lives.

for Pfizer Animal Health
Laura Crovo, 410-902-5058
lcrovo@mghus.com
or
Pfizer Animal Health
Rick Goulart, 212-733-7457
rick.goulart@pfizer.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008