Here at Dog Friendly Retreats, we are always looking out for you and your furry friends. Like us all dogs enjoy a treat or two, but unfortunately they don’t always get the exercise needed to burn those calories afterwards. Obesity in dogs is a real problem and should be addressed sooner rather than later to help keep your pet healthy.
Our team at Dog Friendly Retreats have researched which dogs are most likely to have put on weight in the last few months, lockdown and post-lockdown, and also some tips on how to keep your dog moving!
We conducted a survey of more than 1,700 dog owners and found that the average dog has gained 2.7 lbs since the beginning of the first national lockdown, with Labrador Retrievers gaining the most on average.
According to the data collected, the five breeds that have gained the most weight this year are:
- Labrador Retrievers + 4.1 lb on average
- French Bulldogs + 3.8 lb on average
- Daschunds + 3 lb on average
- Beagles + 2.1 lb on average
- German Shepherds + 2lb on average
- Cockapoos + 1.9lb on average
- Cocker Spaniels + 1.5lb on average
- West Highland Terrier + 1.2lb on average
- Shih Tzu + 1lb on average
- Chihuahua + 0.5lb on average
When asked for the reasons they believed their dog had gained weight, more than half of respondents (52%) stated that spending more time with their pet had led to overfeeding them. A third (32%) stated that the number of walks they had taken their dog on had reduced, with three quarters (74%) of dog owners admitting to not prioritising their dog through lockdown.
The research also revealed a clear correlation between dogs living in households with children, and them maintaining or losing weight this year – three fifths (59%) of dogs that didn’t put weight on come from a family home with kids.
Research from the PDSA* suggests that dog obesity was already a growing problem with 31% of owners not knowing their animal’s current weight nor body condition score, and with 15% of dog owners believing that giving their pet scraps/leftovers was an appropriate main daily meal.
- Measure Food – why not invest in some kitchen scales? This will help you to keep to the appropriate measures. Usually, portion sizes are recommended on the food itself so you can use that as a guide.
- Don’t Crash Diet – it’s important to never crash diet or starve your pet, you should ensure they are always getting enough food and nutrients for their weight and exercise levels.
- Say Bye-Bye to Table Scraps – vets also recommend stopping the table scraps, as these human foods are usually rich and fatty which can not only add the lbs to your pooch, but can cause digestive problems.
- Get the Scales out – just like you should measure the food portion, you should also weigh your pet (if you can get them to sit for long enough), to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight.
- Move! – last, but not least, exercise! It’s extremely important to keep dogs exercised regularly, plus it’s good for you too. From our studies it was discovered that 1.3 million UK dogs (13% of dogs) are not walked everyday. Fear not, there are plenty of activities you can do with your pup whilst indoors like fetch or tug of war games, or even create a fun scavenger hunt around the home using their favourites toys or low calorie treats.
There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ dog walk. So, when it is safe, you feel comfortable and you’re ready to take yourself and your furry friend away on holiday, we’ve listed some of the best dog walks in the UK below, enjoy!
- Hadrian’s Wall, Northumbria
- Derwent Water, Lake District
- Green Chain Walk, London
- Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
- The Doone Valley, Devon
Josh Williams of Dog Friendly Retreats, said,
“Dogs are still undeniably mans’ best friend but sometimes we can treat our friends just a little bit too well. I’m not surprised that being home with our dogs more often is affecting their weight, after all, it’s been affecting the waistlines of us humans too!
“Helping our dogs get back in their prime is as simple as a few lifestyle tweaks and I’m sure the whole family will feel happier and healthier for it, including our furry friends!”
If you suspect your dog is overweight, check out our blog for more help and advice. Always consult your vet before making any lifestyle changes for your dog.
*https://www.pdsa.org.uk/media/7420/2019-paw-report_downloadable.pdf
