Is your dog fat?
By greatsasuke
@greatsasuke (472)
United States
March 2, 2010 12:20pm CST
My little pekingese is a little glutton, but he seems to maintain his weight. I have had other dogs that have become quite large, but never obese.
I just read an article that was speaking about how pet dog's obesity rates have gotten higher along with the human obesity rates. Does that mean that humans are eating unhealthy. Yes, I think so and it affects our pet dogs because we usually give them some of the unhealthy food we are eating, as well.
The article went on to say that overweight people usually have overweight dogs. I think this proves that dog is mans (or womans) best friend. The dog says if my owner is eating like this so will I. If my owner never exercises, neither will I. Now that is loyalty, don't you think?
So, is your dog overweight? If so, the article suggested that you should provide your dog with a minimum walk of up to 30 minutes. I think this would be a good idea for the owner, as well.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@sleepylittlerose (1648)
• United States
2 Mar 10
My dog is not over weight. If anything she is under weight at only 5 lbs. But obesity in pets is very much a problem. People think it is ok to feed thier dog/cat from the table and it is killing the animal. Even if it is healthy food that they are feeding thier pet they have to realize that the animal is already getting their regular pet food and then consuming the food from the table also. And I don't know many, if any animal that is going to give up a yummy tidbit from the table. So that would be like a normal person eating twice for one meal. Hmmm and we wonder why our four legged friends have a weight problem.
1 person likes this
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
9 Mar 10
I agree 100% with your response. We have to look after our furry friends, at least if we want to keep them around for some time. The problem is if the owner is overweight and does not watch they eat, then they are less likely to watch what their pets eat, either. It would be good for both to go on a diet then. Go ahead and give your dog a little extra food, she seems like she may need it.
@sleepylittlerose (1648)
• United States
9 Mar 10
She has free feed or can eat when ever she wants. She is just really good about not doing so. I guess she wants to keep her girlish figure. LOL But I will not feed her from the table. It is a bad habit to start and I refuse to let her get into that habit.
@sassy28 (834)
• United States
2 Mar 10
My dog is not overweight, but I watch what he eats. He would be overweight if you would let him. This morning I feed him like I normally do, well my husband comes in and states that he feed Duke. I told him that I already did, and he said, well he was giving me that I am starving look so he thought that I did not feed him. I think they are like people, they will eat and eat if they are allowed to.
I do have a cat that is 14lbs, but I really do not think he is really overweight, I think he is just a large cat. My other cat is tiny, only 8 lbs and he just looks big to her.
1 person likes this
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
9 Mar 10
Dogs will actually eat until they puke, so it is very important not to fall for their starving look. They look like that all the time, even when they are really full. I know dogs enjoy eating with their masters, as well, so they will always look for a chance to eat with each member of the family if given the opportunity. It sounds like your one cat (the 14 lb.) one is overweight. Is it lethargic or active. If it is active then I wouldn't worry too much about it.
@Java09 (3075)
• United States
3 Mar 10
My dog is his right weight.He's a Lhasa Apso,he weighs 16 lbs.He doesn't overeat.I leave his food out all the time.I see him eat in the morning and in the evening.If he was obese I would not leave his food out.A breed that will over eat is a Laborador Retriever.I read you have to be careful on how much you feed them.It does affect animals if they are eating too much.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
9 Mar 10
It is good that your dog has a controlled appetite. You are right about laboradors. My father always had labs when I was growing up, because he was a hunter. They always acted like they had never seen food before when you fed them. Also, you could feed them six to seven times a day and they would always act like it was the first meal. They were always in shape though, because my father always made them exercise.
