56% of dogs and 60% of cats are classified as overweight or obese, that's why we found it important to join APOP in recognizing the importance of addressing the hormonal and metabolic changes following the spay or neuter procedure. In fact, according to veterinary experts, spaying and neutering predisposes pets to obesity and increases the risk of related diseases. Nearly 90% of American dogs and cats are spayed or neutered¹, and dogs are twice as likely to become obese after this procedure, while cats are 3.4 times as likely to suffer from obesity once spayed or neutered. These procedures reduce basal metabolic rate by up to 30% and increase appetite by as much as 60%, exacerbating the obesity epidemic. Yet many owners continue to feed their pets as before, exacerbating the risk of obesity and related health complications.

A partnership for those who care for animals

Through collaborative efforts with APOP, we aim to develop educational resources and tools for veterinary practices and pet owners. Our common goal? Emphasizing the importance of tailored nutrition in maintaining the metabolic health of pets  after they are spayed or neutered. By addressing the root causes of obesity in dogs and cats, we seek to foster a healthier future for all pets. We believe that educating pet owners early in the pet's life will make all the difference and help prevent pets from becoming overweight.

APOP officials said Virbac’s vast experience in animal health solutions will bring a new dimension to the shared mission of our two organizations.

“We are excited to welcome Virbac, as they will enhance our ability to address pet obesity through innovative nutrition solutions and providing vets with dietary interventions, tools, and support,” said APOP founder and president, Ernie Ward, DVM, CVET. “We are incredibly excited to work with Virbac’s global network of experts and innovators to help achieve our goals.”

Working together for the well-being of spayed and neutered pets

"Our collaboration with APOP underscores Virbac's commitment to positively changing the landscape on improving the health and well-being of pets through targeted interventions," says Fabrice Payot, DVM, vice president New Business at Virbac. “It’s so important for veterinarians and their clients to understand the root cause of obesity and how metabolic changes occur after the pet has been spayed or neutered trigger weight gain. We can help make a difference by tailoring their diet to one that is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. We are also passionate about educating pet owners so they can make informed decisions.”

We offer one solution with Veterinary HPM^® Spay & Neuter diets, an innovative nutritional line specifically formulated to meet the unique metabolic needs of spayed and neutered pets. It supports optimal health and weight management with a reduced carbohydrate, higher protein and fiber levels. By offering balanced nutrition tailored to the specific needs of these pets, we, at Virbac, aim to help minimize the risk of obesity, ensuring pets lead longer, healthier lives.

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