On a recent visit to the vet, Kali, my German Shepherd, weighed in at 79 lbs. I knew she looked her ideal weight according to the body weight charts but was surprised at this number and thought for sure she weighed a bit more. This sparked a conversation with the vet on how we are conditioned to seeing overweight dogs that it seems normal to us when they have a bit more meat on their bones when in actuality that is not healthy for them. Just like humans, without a proper diet and regular exercise we will put on some extra pounds that can quickly add up over the years leading to some serious health conditions. So, how can you tell if your pup is at their proper weight? Continue reading below...
First, check out a weight chart that can be found online or at your vet. Another guideline is to feel their ribs. If you can easily feel them similar to feeling the backside of your hand then that is a good indication they are at a healthy weight. If you cannot see their waistline or it hangs a bit then your beloved friend is carrying some extra pounds. Unfortunately, just like humans, over time this can lead to some serious health conditions which means increased vet bills and can potentially shorten their lifespan by up to 2-1/2 years. But don't fret! By managing their food intake and getting proper and consistent exercise this can be turned around. There is another crucial aspect to getting regular exercise. Continue reading below...
This other aspect is their mental well being. With mental health becoming a bigger concern all the time amongst us humans, it also plays a major factor for our pets too. A dog that doesn't get fulfillment through engaging in walks exploring the outdoors can lead to restlessness and boredom that can cause destructive behaviour in the home. Just like us, we need to get out, do activities and engage with the outdoors in order to feel balanced and happy. So to sum it up....
The benefits of walking are essential for your dog's physical and mental health. Dogs bring such an unconditional love and joy into our lives and we all want the best life for them. However, sometimes life throws at us circumstances where we cannot personally provide this for them and that doesn't mean you shouldn't own a beloved family pet but seeking a good local dog walker is recommended. Just like raising a family while trying to work full time and manage everything else in life, it is important to have a foundation of good people in your life to help. Also to allow you to have some time for yourself!
Thanks for reading! Wishing all the dogs and their owners out there their very best lives!
Credits:
Created with images by Sandra - "Banner two smiling dogs with happy expression. and closed eyes. Isolated on blue colored background." • japono - "Dog running on the grass" • beavera - "Asian veterinary assistant checking healthy values of an average animal height and weight." • Morng - "Adorable group of smiling dogs looking up on an orange background, showcasing joy and companionship." • Nynke - "Head shot of adorable young adult apricot brown toy or miniature poodle. Recently groomed. Sitting facing camera with mouth open showing tongue. Isolated cutout on a transparent background."