Chubster pets are on the rise in the UK because a fifth of dogs are missing out on their daily walks.
According to a recent survey of 3,000 pet owners, hectic work schedules and the fact that many people fail to appreciate how much exercise pets actually need to stay healthy have created a generation of unfit dogs. The study noted:
- More than a quarter of study participants admitted they only exercised their dogs once a day or less.
- The amount of exercise dogs are getting varies from breed to breed, but even the more active ones are struggling, with more than a quarter being taken for a walk less than once a day.
- One in 10 dogs in the area go on “walkies” less than once a week.
- Nearly two million dogs in Britain are suffering from obesity, with lack of exercise and over-feeding thought to be the cause, according to the PDSA.
In an ideal world dogs need daily exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but it's not always possible. What do you think of the statistics?
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That just sound like animal maltreatment to me. I we always thought that a dog needs to be taken out at least tree times a day. In the morning and afternoon for good exercise and for a walk around the block to take care of their needs before bedtime.
1Yesterday my BF and I where watching this US dog training programme called "At the End of my Leash". At one point the trainer says that the dog (a Grate Dane!) has to be taken out for walks at least 7 times a week... Needles to say that I called my BF and told him about this post the second I had read it, because to us that just sounded wrong. No wonder their dog was causing problems!
Unfortunately it goes hand in hand with humans getting overweight and obese. If they aren't taking their dog for a walk they probably aren't hitting the gym. Next time I have a dog I am getting an automatic tennis ball launcher for the back yard. My old dog loved to play for hours and hours.
2I think I am about to sound judgy, but if your dog is walked less than once a week (and it's not because the dog CAN'T walk for some reason), you shouldn't have a dog.
3I live in the UK, and was horrified to read this, and would like to think that this is not a 'typical' pattern throughout the UK, although there is obviously a big problem. However, I would like to qualify the whole "only exercised their dog once a day" thing. My hubby and I work hard, and only manage to walk our dog-babies once a day. BUT-that one walk consists of at least an hour of free running/sniffing/playing in our local country park, after which our dogs are tired and happy, and they are fit and well without an ounce of surplus fat on them, unlike me!!!! So-one walk may not sound much, but it's got to be a matter of quality as well. Got to agree with 7kimba7 though-why get a dog if you're not prepared to walk it!!!
4I think any responsible pet owner should regularly take their dog on a walk once a day, regardless of whether they have a nice backyard or not. It's good exercise for the owner too.
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