A hike with fun activities along the way is a good way to get exercise.
March is the annual "World Obesity Day": a day focusing on the growing obesity epidemic among humans. Perhaps there should be a similar day for dogs, because here too, unfortunately, we are seeing more and more fat specimens. Within certain breeds, I would even say that we have a definite "epidemic". I have golden retrievers myself, and here, a lot of dogs are way too big.
I often wonder how it is that we have this mismatch between us as dog owners becoming more aware and focused on our dogs' welfare and well-being and spending more money on our dogs and at the same time having an increase in this health problem. I think the answer is very complex, but here are some of my thoughts on why we have so many fat dogs.
It can be hard to say no to "dog eyes"
"The new normal"
Many people have forgotten what a slim and well-trained dog should look like. It has become so common for a retriever to have no waist, for example, that we think it should look like that! And we think it is "forbidden" to be able to see the ribs on a short-haired hunting dog. I recently saw a post in a dog group where a person asked when the dog started to "get fuller" (i.e. lose its waist). It is not unusual for people with slim dogs to even get a comment saying that their dog is too thin or that they should start feeding it a little more.
Treats are comfort and love
We love to pamper our dogs. And for many of us, a treat is both an easy solution and a way to show our love for the dog. It's a nice way to be together. A bit like how we humans rarely meet without having something to eat! We just forget that we have many other ways to show our love for the dog: playing with it, going for a walk, patting its belly.
Dog food guidance or misdirection?
On many dog food bags, the instructions regarding the recommended amount of food are almost more misleading than indicative. Typically, the recommended amount is on the high end, which may be suitable for a very active dog. But since many dogs do not exercise much, they will often get far too much food. Also because most dogs get a lot of treats and snacks, which they also forget to deduct from the amount of food. Many people follow the instructions on the bag carefully because they are afraid that the dog will not get enough nutrition otherwise. But instead, we should get better at looking and feeling the dog and dosing based on that.
A golden retriever should also be slim and have a waist
Ignorance
Whether it is ignorance or an attempt to ease our slightly guilty conscience, we still often hear statements such as "better a little too round than too skinny" or "a puppy should be a little chubby". And unfortunately, this is very far from the truth. Many dog owners are busy with the fact that their puppies are not allowed to exercise, as they are afraid that it will damage the joints. But the truth is that an overweight puppy has a many times higher risk of developing HD compared to a slim puppy. And the lack of exercise (which is also often misunderstood as a consideration) means that the dog can easily become too fat. Unfortunately, I think that many people do not fully understand how harmful it is for a dog's health to be overweight.
But yes, I can list many reasons and problems. But how do we move on from here? It's not easy, and it's probably a long and tough move. Professionals such as veterinarians and other practitioners must be honest with people and help them understand how harmful it is for the dog to be overweight. Even if you may lose a customer now and then. Food manufacturers must become better at providing guidance regarding feeding amounts. And a change of attitude is also needed at dog shows: Some breeds are fattened up right before they enter the show ring! And last but not least: as dog owners, we must look ourselves deeply and honestly in the eye and learn what our dog's ideal weight is and how it should look and feel. Ask a professional for their completely honest answer! And then we may need to think about playing with or taking the dog for a walk before we give the next treat.
Photos: Private photos
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and the World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to it. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, including when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Vilde is from the spring of 2023 - and in many ways Frida's opposite. She is full of mischief and always happy and cheeky. She can howl like a wolf or jump like a kangaroo when she gets impatient - and otherwise she is a smart and brave girl who loves wild play and training. She will do pretty much anything for a treat.
Frida, Vilde and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower
The Fat Dog Life: Is your dog healthy or chubby?
A hike with fun activities along the way is a good way to get exercise.
March is the annual "World Obesity Day": a day focusing on the growing obesity epidemic among humans. Perhaps there should be a similar day for dogs, because here too, unfortunately, we are seeing more and more fat specimens. Within certain breeds, I would even say that we have a definite "epidemic". I have golden retrievers myself, and here, a lot of dogs are way too big.
I often wonder how it is that we have this mismatch between us as dog owners becoming more aware and focused on our dogs' welfare and well-being and spending more money on our dogs and at the same time having an increase in this health problem. I think the answer is very complex, but here are some of my thoughts on why we have so many fat dogs.
It can be hard to say no to "dog eyes"
"The new normal"
Many people have forgotten what a slim and well-trained dog should look like. It has become so common for a retriever to have no waist, for example, that we think it should look like that! And we think it is "forbidden" to be able to see the ribs on a short-haired hunting dog. I recently saw a post in a dog group where a person asked when the dog started to "get fuller" (i.e. lose its waist). It is not unusual for people with slim dogs to even get a comment saying that their dog is too thin or that they should start feeding it a little more.
Treats are comfort and love
We love to pamper our dogs. And for many of us, a treat is both an easy solution and a way to show our love for the dog. It's a nice way to be together. A bit like how we humans rarely meet without having something to eat! We just forget that we have many other ways to show our love for the dog: playing with it, going for a walk, patting its belly.
Dog food guidance or misdirection?
On many dog food bags, the instructions regarding the recommended amount of food are almost more misleading than indicative. Typically, the recommended amount is on the high end, which may be suitable for a very active dog. But since many dogs do not exercise much, they will often get far too much food. Also because most dogs get a lot of treats and snacks, which they also forget to deduct from the amount of food. Many people follow the instructions on the bag carefully because they are afraid that the dog will not get enough nutrition otherwise. But instead, we should get better at looking and feeling the dog and dosing based on that.
A golden retriever should also be slim and have a waist
Ignorance
Whether it is ignorance or an attempt to ease our slightly guilty conscience, we still often hear statements such as "better a little too round than too skinny" or "a puppy should be a little chubby". And unfortunately, this is very far from the truth. Many dog owners are busy with the fact that their puppies are not allowed to exercise, as they are afraid that it will damage the joints. But the truth is that an overweight puppy has a many times higher risk of developing HD compared to a slim puppy. And the lack of exercise (which is also often misunderstood as a consideration) means that the dog can easily become too fat. Unfortunately, I think that many people do not fully understand how harmful it is for a dog's health to be overweight.
But yes, I can list many reasons and problems. But how do we move on from here? It's not easy, and it's probably a long and tough move. Professionals such as veterinarians and other practitioners must be honest with people and help them understand how harmful it is for the dog to be overweight. Even if you may lose a customer now and then. Food manufacturers must become better at providing guidance regarding feeding amounts. And a change of attitude is also needed at dog shows: Some breeds are fattened up right before they enter the show ring! And last but not least: as dog owners, we must look ourselves deeply and honestly in the eye and learn what our dog's ideal weight is and how it should look and feel. Ask a professional for their completely honest answer! And then we may need to think about playing with or taking the dog for a walk before we give the next treat.
Photos: Private photos
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and the World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to it. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, including when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Vilde is from the spring of 2023 - and in many ways Frida's opposite. She is full of mischief and always happy and cheeky. She can howl like a wolf or jump like a kangaroo when she gets impatient - and otherwise she is a smart and brave girl who loves wild play and training. She will do pretty much anything for a treat.
Frida, Vilde and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower