Studies show that keeping dogs lean contributes significantly to their health and well-being, writes Denise Flaim. A 14-year Purina Life Span Study found dogs with restricted diets lived 15 percent longer than those with less-restricted diets. That’s almost two years.
Despite the compelling evidence for the upside of slimming down, the reality is that thin isn’t In . . . when you’re talking about dogs.”
Source: Whole Dog Journal, March 2019. Link. Veterinarians are the first line of defense in making owners aware that their dogs are getting a little thick around the middle. But research shows that some pudgy pooches aren’t getting properly diagnosed in the exam room.
A 2006 study found that veterinarians diagnosed overweight or obesity in only 35 percent of dogs whose documented body-condition scores put them in those categories. That’s similar to a 2004 study of pediatricians in which only slightly more than half of practitioners documented obesity in children who met the clinical definition of obese.
INSIGHTS: Obesity is a weighty challenge. Our industry needs to be confident in discussing weight issues with pet owners regardless of fears of offending the pet owner. Consider sharing images of pets at proper weights and conditioning in communications with pet owners. Show could be stronger than tell.