Doggie diet - goodnews - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, June, 2003

What's the number one health problem for dogs? You might be surprised to find out that, according to a new study, it's the same runaway health problem affecting an increasing number of people worldwide and especially in the United States: obesity. The second-biggest health danger for dogs is traffic, while disc problems are third.

Almost three-quarters of physiotherapists cited obesity in the survey, which was announced March 6 by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, a British medical organization that deals with animal and human health.

But just why are our pets becoming super-sized? For many of the same reasons their sedentary owners are--dogs become obese because they're overfed and don't exercise enough, the study observered.

"We overfeed at mealtimes, and tend to give tidbits through the day as treats for our furry friends," said animal physiotherapist Charlotte Baldwyn. "Good health and fitness for the domestic pet is vital to a happy and long life."

Reflecting, perhaps, the old saying that owners tend to look like their dogs--and vice versa--figures show the proportion of obese men, women and even children in the United States is skyrocketing. Looks like the dogs are going to us.