Addressing the Issue: Overweight Dogs
You may think that the extra weight on your dog is not a problem, but more than 50 percent of the dogs in America are overweight — a problem that has definitely increased over the years. Canine obesity can cause many health problems and may also shorten the time you have with your furry friend. Luckily, there are ways for you to get your pups weight back on track by taking a few steps and finding out more information on the issue at hand.
Statistics on Dog Obesity
The number of dogs who’s weight is above average has increased this past year, in a 2011 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) about 53 percent of dogs were considered over weight or obese by their veterinarians. The APOP did a study on 88.4 million dogs that were considered overweight by their vets and about 22 percent of pet owners had a difficult time recognizing the problem, claiming that their dog was at a normal healthy weight.
What Causes Dogs to Become Overweight?
According to Katie Grzyb, a DVM at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group in Brooklyn, NY, dogs become overweight for a variety of reasons including too much caloric intake, too little exercise, too frequent feedings and consuming table scraps or foods made for people. Treats have also become a major part of the issue. In an online poll conducted by APOP, 93 percent of dog owners gave their dogs treats, with 26 percent reporting that they gave their dog multiple treats per day. Any one, or combination of, these things over time can lead to a dangerous problem.
