Overweight Dogs Don't Live as Long, and Scientists Have Calculated How Much Less
Research on 12 popular dog breeds finds the average difference in life span between normal weight and overweight or obese dogs, and it makes for worrying reading. Photo: Caz Harris Photography/Shutterstock We know that being overweight or obese is bad for pet dogs, but just how bad is it? For the first time, scientists have worked out the difference in average life span for normal weight and overweight pet dogs of 12 breeds. The study by Carina Salt (WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition) et al. is published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine . The scientists looked at some of the most popular breeds of all sizes, from Chihuahuas and Pomeranians to Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. The study only looked at dogs that have been spayed or neutered. Co-author Prof. Alex German (University of Liverpool) told Science Daily , "Owners are often unaware that their dog is overweight, and many may not realise the impact that it can have on health. What they may not kno...