Many years ago a vet friend of mine said there are two things that a vet finds very difficult to tell clients because of their reaction: that their dog has fleas and/or that it is fat!  It seems that owners can accept being told that their dog has a terminal illness or behaviour problems - but not that it is infested or overweight because they appear to take it personally.  Apparently doctors have the same problem with their human patients - not as regards fleas of course, but fatness and so they tend to pussy foot around the subject, using words like obese or overweight.  The word "fat" is taboo!

Humans may be fat because they are greedy, lonely or bored - or simply have a psychologically unhealthy relationship with food.  But dogs don't have the choice: they eat what they are given.  According to the PDSA and a study of 30,000 animals, canine obesity has reached epidemic levels.  Some five million dogs are unlikely to reach a healthy and happy old age simply because they are too fat.  Why do some owners over feed their dogs?  For some, they feel guilty that the dog has to eat "boring" dry kibble while they tuck into a rich varied diet - so they feel it is only "fair" to share some of that food.  This, despite the fact that most complete dog foods have all the nutrients and calories a dog could need.  But there are some owners for whom giving food is a way of showing their love - and so simply telling them not to over-feed their dogs will not succeed.  Instead, they need help exploring why they associate food with love and that there are other, healthier ways of showing their affection.

Dogs do not get fat overnight and sometimes owners simply do not realise that their dog is fat.  How can you tell?  When you look at the dog from above or the side, youi should be able to see a waist and if you stroke the side you should be able to feel a rib cage.  If you can't, then please ask your vet's advice on how to cut down the food - and avoid the risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis to say nothing of an early death.