Obesity in dogs: challenges and opportunities

Overeating and underexercising

With the abundance of material wealth in some countries, it is hardly surprising that our pets’ lives mirror our own. This includes overeating and under-exercising. 

Canine obesity has now been classified as a disease. In a 2010 study, it appeared that in the UK 59% of dogs were classified as overweight or obese.

Why is this of interest to the industry?

From a welfare perspective, overweight dogs have a shortened lifespan and are likely to suffer from diabetes, breathing issues and osteoarthritis, amongst other complaints. 

The most worrying issue is the number of juvenile dogs that are overweight.

If your customers are likely to have dogs with these issues, it makes sense to provide a helpful service to return their dogs to a normal weight. Here are some of the supplier ‘must-haves’.

Walk more?

Are you aware that very few dogs are actually walked every day? A recent Paw Report survey by the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) revealed that 16% of dogs (1.4 million) owned in the UK are walked less than once a day. Of these, 89,000 dogs are never walked at all.

This can be because some dogs tend to pull owners on their leads: walking harnesses should therefore be part of any retail display. A simple collar will suffice for identification, but a no-pull harness or head collar, such as a Halti or Walkezee, will boost the dog and owner bond. Training staff to measure visiting dogs for the right harness is an excellent value-added service.

Product placement is key, so adding tracker devices, such as the FitBark or PitPat that monitor the dog’s activity, make a great add-on purchase. They are easily fitted to a collar, linking to a smartphone. Owners can even set exercise goals for their canine friends. For dogs that are alone during the day, or go to day care, this can help owners to identify exercise needs. 

Social activity and activity toys

Dog activity toys, such as ball launchers, can let a dog keep himself busy for long periods of time. Dog walkers and pet sitters are ideal for owners who  have limited time for their dog. As well as increased activity, the dog gains essential social contact.

Artificial exercise machines, such as treadmills for dogs, might be useful for those recovering from a period of inactivity such as ill health, but do not provide the quality of life that walking outdoors can offer. Hydrotherapy and swimming services for dogs enable less-mobile pets to stay healthy without risk of injury.

Weigh in

Pet shops can provide in-house weigh ins. A recent PAW report stated that 40% of owners do not know their pet’s weight or body condition score. Vets also can encourage checking a dog’s weight every visit as preventative measure. Why not offer an in-house weighing service where owners can set a goal (vet-recommended)? Success is rewarded with loyalty discounts.

Feeding 

Out-exercising a poor diet is hard. Owners who like to give treats, are best advised to give single ingredient food, such as fresh carrot or apple. Pre-packaged dried meats can be easier to manage, but need to be kept small: the strong scent attracts the dog more than the size of the treat.

Naturally sourced, low-sugar treats are best. Some dogs fare better on grain-free. But, be sure to remind owners that human low-calorie foods can contain artificial sweeteners, toxic to dogs.

Grouping healthier option foods together allows owners, aiming to reduce their dog’s weight, to oversee all healthy options. No dog is the same, so train staff to assess a dog’s needs. 

Dogs are scavengers: they will overeat without self-regulating. It is up to owners to manage access to food. Measuring cups supplied with dog foods are very popular. Providing a scoop that cannot easily be overfilled can offer even more consistency. And last but not least: remind owners any treats given must be subtracted from the total daily food intake.