English organization rates obesity the number-one danger to dogs
Man's best friend is, perhaps, getting a little bit too much like people for his own good.
A new study, conducted by England's Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which studies and promotes physiotherapy for both humans and animals, concludes that dogs are every bit as willing to grow sedentary, fat, and self-satisfied as their owners. When the society polled animal physiotherapists, it found that 74% of the respondents felt that obesity was the number-one health hazard among British canines—more than triple the threat posed by traffic accidents, which was rated first by just 22% of the respondents.
The causes: as with people—overeating and lack of adequate exercise.
'By far the most common concern for the domestic dog is obesity. As a nation we overfeed at meal times and tend to give 'tidbits' through the day as treats for our furry friends,' explains Charlotte Baldwyn, an animal physiotherapist, and the owner of the Physio4animals practice, in Bray, Berkshire. 'As in humans, being overweight is not only a cardiovascular danger, but it also puts unnecessary strain on our joints and ligaments. The same applies to man's best friend. By overloading an animal's joints, and compounding this with reduced exercise, it can lead to poor muscle tone and poor fitness leading to conditions such as soft tissue injuries and joint strains.'
...Which, as any obese basset or terrier will tell you, is 'Ruff . . . ruff . . . ruff.'
