Dr. Ernie Ward picks top fitness, weight loss products of 2009

Eighty-four million. That's how many U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese, according to a 2008 pet obesity study from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). That figure, which rose from 2007, represents an alarming trend in the veterinary industry, says Dr. Ernie Ward, a Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board member and founder of APOP. Our pets are getting fatter. “Just as we've become a nation of couch potatoes, our pets have become a nation of lap potatoes-and that's not good for anyone,” Ward says.

But this trend doesn't have to continue. By encouraging your clients to be more active with their pets, you'll see healthier patients-and healthier clients. Use APOP's top pet fitness and weight loss products of 2009 guide to inspire clients to leave the TV behind in favor of a more active lifestyle. After all, the holidays are coming up, and most pets love opening gifts.