Why a Little Extra Weight Can Be a BIG Problem

Did your dog pack on a few pounds over the winter? It’s no secret that chilly temperatures make us all want to get in hibernation mode, just snacking and staying cozy by snuggling our furry friends on the couch. However, as few as five pounds above a dog’s ideal weight can make the difference between a healthy, happy life and one filled with extra visits to the veterinarian’s office.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 52.6% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. These unwanted pounds can have disastrous effects on your pup’s health and can result in life-threatening illnesses such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart and Respiratory Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Many Forms of Cancer

Sadly, excess weight has also been known to decrease your dog’s life expectancy by as many as 2.5 years! Thankfully, there are several ways you can help your four-legged friend lose weight and lead a longer, happier life.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has a lot of great tips and resources on how to calculate your pet’s daily, but the most crucial tip is to make sure that you are exercising the right way.

Every pet owner knows that daily walks are crucial to your dog’s health, but it’s important to pick up the pace when your pup is trying to shed pounds. Walk briskly at about a 12 to 15 minute per mile pace. Keep the leash within two to four feet of your body so that your dog is forced to keep up with you. This also makes it more difficult for your dog to stop and sniff every tree and mailbox post you pass.

Can’t take a long lunch to make sure fido gets their walk? Working late and thinking about skipping the daily walk altogether? Don’t risk your pet’s health and well-being when you’re crunched for time. Instead, call West Hartford Pet Sitters and one of our experienced dog walkers will make sure that your furry friend gets the exercise they need!