Obesity is not just a human epidemic.

In North America, obesity has swept through our pets, as more and more animals develop weight-related diseases that were almost unheard of 20 years ago. Diabetes, osteoarthritis, tears to the anterior cruciate ligaments, heart and respiratory disease, and pancreatitis are all increasing among our four-legged friends.

“Commercial food is one of the primary causes of obesity,” said Dr. Jody Kincaid, veterinarian at the Anthony Animal Clinic. ”

For most of Mufflers life, the 10-year-old miniature pinscher has been eating table food.

“He never liked dog food,” said Susan Valdez, Mufflers owner. “We would feed him whatever we would eat. If we would go to McDonalds, we would give him Chicken McNuggets. If we would go to a restaurant, we would bring the scraps to him. He was extremely spoiled.”

All that unhealthful eating caught up to Mufflers. Mufflers — whose breed should weigh from 11 to 15 pounds — ballooned to 26 pounds. And in June, he was diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that took his eyesight.

Ailments linked to pet weight keep increasing – USATODAY.com