Yet, if a dog owner is determined and committed, they hold the key to transforming their pup's life for the better. Check out these incredible before-and-after pics of dogs getting healthier through weight loss. Let's be happy for both their dedicated owners and the dogs themselves.
Chubby puppies might be adorable, but when it comes to a dog's well-being, a lean physique is preferable.
Unfortunately, similar to the issue faced by humans, there's an alarming number of overweight dogs, as reported by the Association For Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). In their eighth annual survey, released in March 2015, APOP revealed that 53 percent of American dogs are carrying excess weight.
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International studies also indicate that this problem extends globally, with surveys from various regions showing canine obesity rates at around 40 percent or higher. Furthermore, most researchers believe that this health concern is worsening year by year. According to another part of the APOP survey, in 2014, 17.6 percent of dogs were classified as clinically obese, meaning they were 30 percent or more overweight. This marked a full percentage point increase from just one year prior.
What's even more concerning is that a staggering 95 percent of pet owners are unaware that their pudgy dogs need to shed some weight. APOP dubs this phenomenon the "fat pet gap," where an overweight dog is mistakenly perceived as having a normal weight.
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Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and the founder of APOP, emphasizes, "Pet owners often believe that their obese dog or cat is at a healthy weight, which makes addressing obesity a challenging task. Nobody wants to acknowledge that their pet is carrying extra pounds, and our initial hurdle is overcoming this denial."
#10 Veterinarian Said He Needed To Lose Weight. I Present To You, Dechonkified Chester. He Didn't Like The Journey But Never Takes Food For Granted After The Diet
When it comes to pets, like dogs, recognizing if they are overweight or obese depends on both how they look and feel. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs when you gently touch their sides. Some dog food brands have charts that can help you figure out if your dog needs to lose weight.
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Sometimes, a pet's breed and age can affect their weight. Older pets, for example, may be less active due to conditions like arthritis. But it's our job to give them the right amount of food and make sure they get regular exercise.
When pets are overweight, they are more likely to:
⦁Have a less active and shorter life
⦁Struggle with heat and humidity
⦁Need more medication due to their weight
⦁Experience joint and mobility problems
⦁Develop skin issues and a weaker immune system
⦁Face higher risks during surgery
⦁Show less interest in exercise and play
⦁Often have high blood pressure
⦁Be at a greater risk of developing diabetes
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