Dog owners show an inability to recognize when their pets are overweight, according to a new study from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
The survey questioned 600 U.S. dog owners to learn the physical and emotional effects of pet obesity. One finding was that only 1 in 5 households identified one or more of their dogs as overweight. However, a 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 37% of U.S. dogs were overweight and 22% were obese.
“Pet owners need reminders of what normal weight is to help counter the gradual change in perception, as many people now believe that ‘overweight’ means ‘normal,’” said Dr. Peter Wedderburn, a veterinarian and journalist.
Other findings from the Purina study included:
- 75% of owners said they felt guilty when they thought their dog was hungry.
- 67% named food as one of their dog’s primary sources of happiness.
- 67% said feeding treats bonds them with their dog, and they don’t want to lose that bond.
- 54% said they feed a dog that begs more food, table scraps or treats.
- 88% said they are concerned about their dog’s body condition.
- 92% said they thought their dog would benefit from losing weight.
- 92% said they were upset when their dog couldn’t participate in activities because of excess weight.
- 45% said their dog had less energy for playtime.
- 44% said their dog tires easily after light activity.
Many dog owners said they tried reducing portion sizes, decreasing treats and increasing exercise, but 68% said their dogs lost little to no weight.
“The results show that many owners of overweight dogs feel conflicted about what quality of life means for their pet,” said Dr. Jason Gagne, the director of veterinary communications at Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. “While owners recognize that excess weight is keeping their dogs from participating in activities they once enjoyed, they also worry their dogs will be unhappy if feeding changes are made.”
He recommended that dog owners work closely with a veterinarian on a weight-loss plan and said, “The right nutrition … can make a big difference.”
“Dogs do not always gain excess weight due to a lack of care from their owners,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. “If anything, an overweight dog may be a sign that the owner cares too much about their dog’s happiness. But, while it’s often said that food is love, feeding a pet too much could lead to an overall reduced quality of life.”