Staying home for long stretches of time with barely any exercise is not good for anyone, be it human or dog. Regular exercise, walks, and playtime are recommended for not just dogs but for humans as well. Not having a regular routine of exercise can result in a plethora of health problems and is not good for anyone in the long term.
The coronavirus pandemic left us little choice, however. With unnecessary movement outside limited and discouraged, people preferred to stay home and stay safe from the virus. Though we avoided coming into contact with the virus by spending our time indoors, there are other health problems that were borne due to the lack of movement and exercise. People started working from homes and the little physical movement that we had been squeezing into our busy lives was also lost. Perhaps, there were few people who did not gain significant weight during this period.
Dog Obesity – A Real Threat During the Pandemic
Though you might not have thought of it much, dogs too can gain weight when they don’t get to go outside and get their regular and recommended exercise. Walks and exercises are essential for a dog’s physical and mental well-being, and with those cut short during the pandemic, many of our dogs became couch potatoes too. The lack of physical activity started reflecting in their weight soon enough as they started gaining fat around their bellies and their necks.
Though a little extra fat never hurt anybody, if the problem aggravates into dog obesity, there might be real trouble. Dogs aren’t meant to sit at home and gain weight, and the extra weight does not suit them well. In fact, it can be quite dangerous to them. Obesity leads to bigger, more severe problems that are not only painful for the dog but can also eventually lead to his death.
How do I know My Dog is Obese?
It can be hard to put a number to it, but generally, a dog is considered obese when it is over 20% its ideal body weight. If the dog is 10-20% above its ideal body weight, it is considered overweight, while anything above that falls into the category of obese.
Of course, there is no specific number on the scale that we can state to tell you that your dog is obese. Different breeds and different sizes of dogs have different weights, and to compare a poodle’s weight to a retriever’s would be unfair, to say the least.
Thus, check out the ideal weight for the species of dog you own, and compare his current weight to his ideal weight. If the number on the scales is significantly different, you know you have a problem. When you see your dog has been piling on the weight, it is best to weigh him and start him on a regular workout routine.
How did the coronavirus Become a Cause for Obesity?
Obesity is caused by overeating and very little physical activity in life. With the pandemic, many dog parents cut down on the time they spent outside walking with their dogs. Dogs were getting the minimal level of walk-time, that too up and down their own neighborhoods. There were no hiking trips or visits to the beach where your dog could run and play freely for a few hours every week. Dog parks had shut down, and so had any dog bars to discourage people from gathering in one place. There were no playdates being organized, and dog daycares were also not operational.
All this, while undertaken for general safety, was taking a toll on your dog’s physical health. They were barely getting long walks, and they were certainly not getting enough playtime. Sleeping, eating and watching TV became routine, and of course, when the dogs were unable to burn off the fat, it started storing in their bodies, leading them to obesity.
Consequences of dog obesity
Dog obesity is not just unhealthy; it is downright dangerous. It can give way to many other diseases and problems that could harm your dog and even cause an untimely and painful death
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- High blood pressure
- Orthopedic problems
- Skin disease
- Heart and Respiratory Disease
- Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)
Nobody wants their dog to suffer like that. Thus, it is important to be vigilant during these tough times and monitor your dog’s weight and health.
What can we Do About it?
As dog parents, it is your responsibility to provide a lifestyle and environment to your dog where he does not get obese, and if he is getting excessively overweight, you must manage his weight and do everything in your power to help him lose it.
We understand that it is hard to with the pandemic still going on. Your options will be limited, and you will have to make a genuine effort to help your dog lose the unhealthy fat. Here are some of the things you can do.
Make time for longer walks.
This is not a luxury but a necessity for your dog, so take all the precautions that you must and give your dog sufficient walk time every day. Take your dog along with you for mandatory grocery runs if you ever go. Walks are the bare minimum that your dog needs, and you must allow him that.
Regular Playtime is a must.
With dog parks and other such places closed down, your dog might not have had any real exercise besides a walk for the longest time. If you have a small backyard or lawn in your house, take your dog out and play with him for a few minutes every day. This could include everything from playing fetch to making him jump through loops. It’s going to be a little tricky, but you have to manage for the sake of your dog’s health.
Take him to Dog Daycares.
Not everybody has large enough spaces where their dogs can play, and not everyone has a companion for their dog to play with. Dropping your dog at a dog daycare can be the perfect way to get him out of the house, give him a change of environment, lots of playtimes with other doggy buddies, and mandatory exercise time at the daycare under the supervision of dog carers.
Twissted Whiskers Pet Hotel has a dog daycare where trained and experienced staff supervise and monitor your dog all day, make sure they are eating healthy and are getting the right exercise. Drop your dog off, and rest assured that your dog is getting the much-needed physical activity in a safe environment.
