Overweight Dogs, Is Doga The Answer?

Majority of Americans do not realize just how far pet obesity stretches and just how many dogs are affected by it. Many Americans have noticed an overweight animal and have disregarded the health factors through quick observation and "fat" jokes. But just like their human owners, a dog with an abundance of additional body fat runs the risk of facing many health issues.

One study estimates that approximately 44% of canines in the U.S. would qualify as overweight or obese. 44% translates into 33 million dogs. That further translates into nearly half of the U.S. dog population facing serious health risks due to being overweight including liver problems, joint, bone & ligament damage, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, respiratory problems and more, including death.

With America's obsession with "man's best friend" one can't help but wonder why we are not taking better care of our furry friends? But the truth is attending to our dog's perceived needs is part of the problem. Because many people love their dogs they want to reward them and how do we reward a creature who has very little interest in possessions? We feed them. And often, we feed them a lot. Expensive treats, expensive foods, table scraps, leftovers, why do you think it's called a "doggy bag"? We feed our dogs often and we feed them well without offering them sufficient opportunity to exercise.

The number one cause of preventable death in dogs and cats is obesity. Diabetes is very common among overweight pets and one study found that 25% of overweight dogs experience complications in their joints and bones. But like humans, a major issue is hypertension, or high blood pressure. As with people this can lead to a variety of complications, including heart disease and heart attack.

As people learn more about the potential health complications found with pet obesity, many people wish to know what can be done to prevent pet obesity or how to help an already overweight animal. Those with extra money to spend may be tempted to adopt the quick fix approach. The quick fix may include anti-obesity drugs or even liposuction, but as with humans, such approaches may lead to further complications.

Like humans, pets benefit from the same good old fashioned change of diet. Additionally, like in humans the introduction of an exercise routine is very advantageous. Many pet food companies produce "low fat" pet food that will aid in weight loss for your dog. You can also create healthy dog treats for your dog right at home. The Amy Stevens' Cooking4Canines offers a variety of recipes that are healthful and delicious.

Regular exercise for your pet is essential when preventing obesity or overcoming it. Your furry friend requires exercise just as much as people do. Taking your dog for a walk can go a long way. Or maybe you and your pet would enjoy the new and exciting Dog Yoga! Doga, as it is called, is an entertaining way for your and your dog to exercise together without having to leave your home.

As the obese pet population continues to rise it is important for us to truly show our dogs and cats just how much we love them by helping them eat properly and receive regular exercise.