The importance of weight management for dogs
According to a 2018 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention in the US, 55 8% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese.
While a similar study hasn’t been in Australia for over 15 years, it’s thought that rates in Australia are comparable and increasing.
The last time this survey was done in Australia (in 2005) the results showed 40% of dogs were overweight or obese, which is an enormous and worrying jump.
Equally as concerning, it’s thought that 90% of pet owners don’t realise their pet is overweight! (If you and your pet need help then check out our pet 4 week programs)
So, what’s a few extra pounds? Well, it could mean the difference between a long, happy and pain-free life, or one coloured by disease and shortened by obesity.
The impact of additional weight or obesity on our dogs can include
an increased risk of skin conditions, chronic inflammation, arthritis, orthopaedic issues, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, colitis and other digestive problems, urinary issues, liver disease, pancreatic inflammation, an increased risk of complications during surgery (which is more likely to be required) and, ultimately, a reduced life expectancy .
Cross reference this list with the top ten reasons for vet visits in dogs in 2018 (in the USA), and a clear pattern emerges:
- 26% saw a vet for stomach issues,
- 17% for skin conditions,
- 14% for pain,
- 10% for ear infections,
- 7.7% for eye conditions,
- 5.8% for a growth or lump,
- 5% for cancer,
- 4.8% for cruciate ligament or ACL,
- 4.8% for a UTI and
- 4.5% for a heart condition
Shop our products
You can see our raw air and freeze dry foods here)
Or you can get full access to our 4 week meal plan programs and raw food recipes here
1 https://petobesityprevention.org/2018 2 https://www.hillspet.com.au/pet-obesity-study-2021
3 https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/content/costofcare/pet-care-costs-health -conditions_2019.pdf
