02/10/2025
Over feeding dogs is not the way to show them that you love them.
I try to avoid posting controversial content on my page (debating with strangers on the internet isn't my thing) but I feel strongly about speaking up about this.
I was at the vet today and saw a dog that was 30kg overweight (double the weight that he should have been). I checked if he had any health conditions that could cause the weight gain like a hormonal imbalance etc, or if he was a rescue who was recently adopted.
Nope. He is a "healthy" dog that has lived with his owners his whole life.
There are so many ways to show your dog that you love them that doesn't cause the development of diseases and premature death like excessive weight does. Dogs that are overweight die sooner on average. It is devastating, but it is so avoidable by feeding the amount of calories that is ideal for each dog.
Each dog is different, but things that I do to show my dogs that I love them while keeping them healthy is:
- Feeding a high quality diet in the correct amounts for each of my dogs to keep them in lean condition. Excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on their joints which can cause pain and faster joint deterioration.
- Exercising my dogs in ways that they enjoy. Both of my dogs love playing tug and swimming but Havoc loves going for walks through the park on his flexi lead vs Hexxus prefers to freight train on runs on his running harness.
- I give them healthy treats. I avoid anything highly processed like the plague and instead I look for single ingredient treats like dehydrated meat and organs, or for healthy cookies we love the treats from
- I stay on top of their grooming. They get regular baths (without over washing them) with a toxin free shampoo (we love Essential Dog and Shy Tiger). In-between baths they get regular brushes with the essential dog leave in conditioner spray to keep their skin and coat clean and comfortable.
- I literally tell them that I love them. All the time 😂 I know they don't understand my words, but I hope they understand the emotions behind them. Not every dog would like this, but my boys love it when I cradle their face in my hands, tell them I love them and give them a kiss on their noggin.
What do you do with your dog to show them that you love them? ❤️
