It’s not just humans who are getting heavier! Take a look around at the cared for dogs in your neighbourhood and you’ll find quite a few of them who are carrying more than a few extra pounds. Although a dog with his ribs on display isn’t attractive, one that’s a little flabby may be destined for more problems than not being able to run a doggy marathon.
A dog’s health is also negatively affected by excessive weight. They are prone to many of the same conditions that their owners such as diabetes and heart disease. Their weight can also affect their skin and even increase their chances of having heat stroke in the summer. Many dogs develop arthritis as they age, but overweight dogs are at a much greater risk of this because of the added stress they are placing on their skeleton.
So is your dog overweight? The best way to find out is to have a word with your vet. If you are really concerned, make a specific appointment to discuss this. If you think your dog is possibly a few pounds overweight but nothing serious then you could wait until your dog’s next annual booster vaccination and then talk about it with the vet – but in the meantime start to watch what your dog eats and try to switch to a healthier eating plan.
At the meeting with your vet make sure that you find out not only the kind of nutrition that your dog needs, and the quantities they should have for their size, but also how much exercise they need. Again, like humans, overweight dogs need to start a new exercise regime gently and gradually build up to what should be perfect for them. The added exercise for your dog will have the positive bonus of helping you put in some additional workout time too – whether it’s simply walking around the block, or toning up your muscles throwing a ball or Frisbee!
As cute as you think your chubby dog looks, remember that additional weight is a health hazard that could not only create a lot of expense in future veterinary bills because of the potential illnesses the weight can create, but also it could cost your dog a number of years off his life.
Start the New Year with a determination to create a healthier lifestyle not only for yourself, but also for your dog.