New research shows that overweight dogs have shorter life spans than those with ideal body weights. Results of the study, dated back two decades and published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, showed that the lifespan of overweight dogs was up to two and a half years shorter compared to dogs of ideal weight.
The study examined more than 50,000 dogs in 12 of the most popular dog breeds. The effect of overweight was seen in all breeds, although the magnitude of the effect varied, ranging from five months less for male German Shepherds to two years and six months less for male Yorkshire Terriers.
While the study did not examine the reasons behind the extra pounds in dogs, dietary habits are thought to play a role in animal obesity. According to a recent survey, more than half (54%) of cat and dog owners always or often feed their pets when they ask for it, and nearly a quarter (22%) of cat and dog owners overfeed their pets to keep them happy. to keep.
In the study, data was available from 50,787 dogs in 12 of the most popular family breeds:Dachshund, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Boxer, Chihuahua, Pit Bull Terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. For each breed, the dogs with longevity that the owners indicated were overweight and that were in optimal body condition were compared.
Healthy weight management
When it comes to healthy weight management, prevention is better than cure and to prevent obesity you need to recognize it early. There are a few simple things you can do to help your dog maintain a healthy weight:
1) Talk to your vet about your dog's ideal body weight – they can advise you on feeding amounts as they change from puppies into old age
2) Make sure they get enough exercise – this will depend on their size and breed type
3) Skip the table scraps – not all human food is safe for pets and some can even be fatal
4) Weigh your dog – even small weight gains can have a big impact on their health
