06/06/2024
Let’s talk about the #1 killer of dogs: Obesity
This photo represents what a fit/healthy dog should look like—
a healthy dog should have a waistline with a clear abdominal tuck just below their ribcage.
If seeing a corgi like this makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, you’re not alone.
We, as a society, have normalized fat dogs. By using phrases like thicc, chonker, and big b***d, we’ve altered our perception of reality. Fat is the new normal and healthy is the new unhealthy.
We, as a society, have told ourselves that fat dogs are cute.
But, let me ask you a question. Is that “thicc” dog still cute when they develop life altering heart problems, joint problems, or cancer?
Yeah I went there.
Is it a strange coincidence that 56% of dogs are overweight, and 50% of dogs get cancer? OR, is this proof that we are literally killing our dogs with their own food bowls?
We owe it to our dogs to do better. We must do better.
Here’s how you can start changing perceptions:
- Every time you feed your dog, assess their body condition
- Measure your dog’s food for every meal (don’t eyeball it)
- Exercise your dog EVERY day
- Don’t defend your dog’s overweight-ness
- Don’t glorify other people’s overweight dogs
- Don’t use words like chonker, thicc, or big-b***d to describe a dog
Most importantly, DO NOT chastise your vet for mentioning your dog’s weight.
Matter of fact, you should be discussing your dog’s body condition during every vet visit. If they don’t bring it up, ask them about it.
It’s important to have an open mind during these conversations.
Recognize that society has skewed your perception of “healthy” and actively work on being better for your dog.
Your dog’s health is quite literally in your hands.
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