A study of the human-animal relationship in normal and obese dogs found that often obese dogs were ‘over humanised’ by their owners, where the natural characteristics of the dog, such as being sources of work, protection and exercise, were ignored in favour of gaining a human-like companion. Dog owners fail to see the danger of a few extra pounds or think that they are spoiling their dog by giving it extra food or fatty meats, when in reality they are simply substituting their time and love with treats. A study that monitored the food intake and lifespans of two groups of Labradors found that those who were given a 25% restricted diet lived significantly longer (13 years to 11.2) than those who had more food and the onset of chronic diseases was delayed and less severe.ĭenial plays quite a big part in dog obesity and it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. A few of these such conditions are orthopaedic disease, diabetes, cardiorespiratory disease, urinary disorders and anaesthetic complications, not to mention the discomfort and lack of energy that will impede your dog’s happiness. As with humans, obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems that are not only going to cost you a lot in terms of vet bills but will also lead to premature death. The consequences of overfeeding your dog are quite dire. That’s over a third of all their food for the day. Whilst that’s just 5% of a human’s daily calorie intake - a slight amount - it is 35% of a small dog’s. One roast potato, for instance, is 137 calories. When dogs are treated to food from the table or offcuts of last night’s roast it is easy to forget how fatty and calorific these things are. These ensure there is nothing toxic in the food and that fat levels are kept low. The best way to do this is with specially produced dog treats that improve health at the same time as reward. Rewarding your dog is to be encouraged in pet owners, for dogs need to understand when they’re behaving well and to know that it is beneficial to them (and others) to do so.
It’s the giving of treats, however, that hits dogs the hardest and also, how we misuse these treats, too.
#Dog obese plus
One of those, plus a doggy treat or two, and your dog has had more than enough food for the day. An average tin of wet dog food contains 350 calories. A small dog that weighs 10kg or less, for example, requires around 392 calories a day. This can be the result of too many treats from the owner or simply a lack of awareness of the calorie count in dog food. Obesity is much easier to prevent than it is to cure, so it’s important that all pet owners are aware of the causes of dog obesity and how best to avoid them. As an owner it is your responsibility to prevent dog obesity. Far from being cute and cuddly, obesity in pets causes much the same problems as it does in humans, shortening their life span by around two years and causing a myriad of physical and medical problems. But at what point does pampering turn to serious harm? According to the Pet Foods Manufacturers Association, nearly half of all dogs seen by vets are overweight.
As man’s best friend, dogs should be loved, praised and treated to a good life.
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