Pet Care
Pet Obesity
Pet obesity is a growing problem, with many owners not recognizing their pet is overweight[1].
Owners exercise habits predict their dogs exercise[2].
Overfeeding treats is a common contributor to pet obesity[3].
Neutering can increase obesity risk if diet isn't adjusted[4].
Breed Considerations
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face significant health challenges[5].
Breed selection significantly affects lifetime health and veterinary costs[6].
Brachycephalicⓘ breeds often have breathing problems, eye issues, and difficulty regulating body temperature.
When to See a Vet
Many owners delay seeking veterinary care, sometimes with serious consequences[8].
Signs requiring prompt veterinary attention:
- Not eating for more than 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Severe lethargy or collapse
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of pain (hiding, aggression, vocalization)
Regular wellness exams (at least annually) can catch problems early.
Exercise and Activity
Dogs need regular exercise for physical and mental health[9].
Exercise needs vary significantly by breed, age, and individual:
- High-energy breeds may need 2+ hours daily
- Senior pets still need activity but gentler exercise
- Mental stimulation (puzzles, training) matters too
Pets and Human Health
Pet ownership is associated with mental health benefits[10].
Dog ownership in older adults is linked to maintained physical function[11].
The pet-owner relationship affects owner wellbeing[12].
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References
- Kienzle E et al. (2020). Positive attitudes towards feline obesity are strongly associated with ownership of obese cats. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Belshaw Z et al. (2022). Jog with your dog: Dog owner exercise routines predict dog exercise routines and perception of ideal body weight. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- German AJ et al. (2024). Cat caregivers perceptions, motivations, and behaviours for feeding treats: A cross sectional study. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Hart BL et al. (2018). Age at gonadectomy and risk of overweight/obesity and orthopedic injury in a cohort of Golden Retrievers. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Packer RMA et al. (2019). Great expectations, inconvenient truths, and the paradoxes of the dog-owner relationship for owners of brachycephalic dogs. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- ONeill DG et al. (2023). Dog breeds and conformations in the UK in 2019: VetCompass canine demography and some consequent welfare implications. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Sherwin EL et al. (2025). To see or not to see the vet: A vignette-based study of decision-making by UK dog owners regarding seeking veterinary care. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Belshaw Z et al. (2022). Jog with your dog: Dog owner exercise routines predict dog exercise routines and perception of ideal body weight. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Ratschen E et al. (2020). Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown: Links with mental health and loneliness. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Taniguchi Y et al. (2022). Evidence that dog ownership protects against the onset of disability in an older community-dwelling Japanese population. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Wells DL et al. (2024). Exploring the connection between pet attachment and owner mental health: The roles of compatibility and perceived pet welfare. PLOS ONE. [DOI]