I saw on the news recently that the animal charity, PDSA, have stated that nowadays, 1 in 3 dogs are overweight or obese due to owners overfeeding them. One dog that was mentioned is so overweight that he is now unable to walk.

Listen up people! As kind as you think you are being to your dog, feeding him your last sausage as if it were your last rolo is not doing him any favours! You are actually being rather cruel. Especially when these hounds aren’t getting enough exercise to burn off the calories either.

Vet Sean Wensley elaborates “One small plain biscuit for a 10kg dog is the equivalent of us eating a hamburger or chocolate bar…If you have different family members slipping a bit here and there, the effects become cumulative…Once you start exceeding that calorie requirement, these are not burnt off, get converted into fat and stored, and you start seeing health implications.”

Let’s face it, do you really think your poor chubby pup enjoys struggling to walk? Wouldn’t you rather see him chasing after a ball without becoming incredibly breathless (and potentially suffering from painful joints due to the stress on them from the weight that he should not be carrying?

I know it can be tough when they look at you with those soulful eyes begging you for a little extra and telling you that they are a poor starving pupster but guess what – staying strong and feeding them proper amounts is a far greater kindness than turning them into podgy weebles!

I’m not against doggy treats. Infact, treats are good, but in moderation!
Don’t let your dog become the 1 in 3 – keep them happy and healthy!

(Oh and please don’t forget, proper exercise is also vital to your dog’s health and wellbeing. Walkies anyone?!)

References
Meikle, James. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/27/fat-dogs-owners-indulgence

NewsBeat http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10774461