Lifestyle Changes
Research has shown that dog obesity is much higher among dogs owned by overweight people than in dogs owned by more healthy and active owners.
Lifestyles have changed dramatically over the last fifty years. Dogs have become humanised to such an extent that, in some circles, it is no longer politically correct to call them pets but instead dogs are referred to as the 'family member'. Whilst this is a perfectly good name for it (that's exactly what it is), it has also led to a misconception of what a dog is, and what it was born to do.
Dog obesity is a fairly recent problem that reflects the change in lifestyle, the role dog's play and the composition of commercial dog food. Worrying about the family dog's weight would be considered ludicrous by our grandparents.
Fifty or so years ago the pet dog roamed free outside the home and rarely came indoors. Some dogs would have slept in a purpose built kennel but mostly dogs would sleep anywhere that was warm and dry. The owner did not worry about their dog's diet, bowel habits, coat conditions etcetera, though they were fully aware of the importance of good obedience and dog training.
Suddenly it became the norm to bring the pet dog indoors which led to a dramatic change in its lifestyle, health and well-being.
Instead of being able to choose where to wander, when to eliminate, when to play with neighbouring dogs and so on, the poor dog was faced with learning the house rules and how to live in such close proximity with humans. The dog was lucky if it was given a brief walk a day, though conversely it had almost twenty four hour freedom to burn whatever calories it wish to burn in as many ways as it could think of, thinking for itself of course.
The owner soon realised that if the pet dog was to live indoors it needed to be rid of its “doggy smells”, thus the concept of dog hygiene was born. 
For pet food manufacturers this was a golden opportunity to increase their profits. They began to convince the dog owner that their animal could not live on the diet it had been thriving on for centuries. Premium dog foods hit the supermarket shelves alongside dog chews, dog treats, dog health supplements and doggy snacks. These premium dog foods were rich in protein and fats (as much as 30% protein and 20% fat) and the treats contained more calories than nutrition. The new food enabled the dog to digest its food more easily and quickly, thereby needing to eliminate less frequently.
The biggest change was the owner's perception of their dogs that were reborn as “family members”. As such the dog needed soft beds and warm bedding, toys of every shape, size and colour and a whole mountain of clothing and accessories. Dogs had lived outside happily unperturbed by loud bangs or unusual noises. The family member suddenly needed soothing music, sedatives, aromatherapy or behavioural training to cope with the terror of bonfire night or street noises.
Veterinarians were quick to cash in on this evolving companion animal market. Surgeries that had mainly treated farm animals were now inundated with companion animals, including the dog that required vaccinations, flea treatments, health check ups and numerous other treatments and expensive medications. Would dog owners of the 1950's have contemplated spending these vast amounts of money on their household or farm dog?
The shape, form and function of the dog have changed dramatically as has its role within the human environment. This has led in the main to a cycle of deteriorating health and consequently obesity in dogs.
George Fennell, Vice President, US Companion Animal Health at Pfizer Animal Health said:
| " Obesity is an important medical condition and research shows that it can be associated with a host of serious health problems including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems." |
It is true that some breeds have a genetic disposition to becoming overweight. Breeds such as Labradors, Dachshunds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs and Basset Hounds may have genetic factors that influence the type and characteristics of the fat produced by the body. This does not mean that all Labradors will be fat but it does mean that the owners of Labradors should be extra vigilant with their dog's diet and exercise regime.
It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to see when a dog is putting on weight and how to address the problem. What's more, ignorance is no excuse as you can't be ignorant to your dog becoming unhealthily fat. If you are the owner of a dog, then aside from medical reasons, if your dog is fat, you are to blame for its reduced quality of life and its dramatically raised chance of premature death and illness. It may sound harsh, but it isn't, it's just the truth.
Pfizer gained approval for a drug called Sentrol on January 5th, 2007. The company estimates that of the 67 million dogs in America, 40% are obese which equates to around 17 million canines. Do we need drugs? Or education and common sense?
I would hope you know the answer.
|
