iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Although a lot of attention is being paid to the obesity epidemic in this county, millions are neglecting to see how it affects other members of their households, namely, pets.



The Association of Pet Obesity and Prevention (APOP) in its annual report of the problem says that a whopping 58 percent of cats are overweight in the U.S., and dogs aren't far behind.



The group's National Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey finds that 53 percent of dogs are also carrying too much weight for their own good.



Perception, or actually, the lack thereof, is at the crux of the problem. The survey says that 95 percent of overweight dog owners and nine out of ten owners of fat cats think their pets appear normal.



Dr. Steven Budsberg, a veterinary orthopedic specialist and APOP member, advises people who regularly bring their pets in for medical check-ups to simply ask their vets if their dog or cat is obese.



Doing so can prolong the lives of their pet, according to Budsberg, who contends that dogs of normal weight live two-and-a-half years longer than obese mutts while cats that are overweight once they get to be ten are four times more likely to die than slimmer kitties.



Follow @ABCNewsRadio

Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.