They say a dog is a person’s best friend. If this saying holds true, half of all people’s best friends are overweight.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, half of all American dogs have a little too much meat on their bones. While your chubby pooch may be cute, the effects of his or her plumpness may be detrimental to your little buddy. This relatively minor health concern can lead to serious issues, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes.
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To solve this health issue, veterinarians and pet specialists suggest that you reduce the caloric intake of your pet; but, that alone won’t cut it. Most dogs do not get enough proper exercise, and this lack of activity is really what leads to their extra pounds. Don’t have a backyard with extra wiggle room for your pooch? Well, that’s living in the city for you, but fear not. Many gyms and facilities complete with mini pools and treadmills are being built to help cater to your dog’s exercise needs.
Isabelle Davis ’15, one of the heads of the Animal Rights Club at Hewitt, is a clear dog lover: she and her family have eight dogs. All of her dogs have healthy weights, except for her bulldog, Ellie. “It may be harder for those types of dogs to lose weight, maybe because of their particular diet or the way they process food,” she said, “but when we found out from her doctor that Ellie was a bit overweight, we just modified her diet.” When asked if she has done anything special to ensure that all eight of her dogs have healthy weights, Isabelle said that her family “only give[s] them treats once in a while, make[s] sure that the right kind of food is given in the right amounts, and also play[s] with them to ensure that they get enough exercise.”
Make sure to consult your vet about a healthy diet for your pet, but remember that a good, balanced of diet and exercise are key to having a happy and healthy pup.
