Having you at home during the pandemic probably made your dog’s tail wag. But while most Americans say they feed their pets better food than ever, new data from a pet insurance company reveals how significantly America’s poor eating habits have affected our pets’ health over the past year.
The animal health insurance company Pumpkin.com and Fi, the smart dog technology company, conducted a joint survey released this week. Together, they asked nearly 1,000 dog owners to learn some details about how the widespread lack of human dietary discipline during the pandemic affected our dogs.
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Why was it worth exploring it? According to an American Psychological Association in February 2021 opinion poll, a remarkable 61% of American adults said they had experienced unwanted weight changes since the start of the pandemic, with 42% reporting weight gain averaging 29 pounds.
In the meantime, it has not been good for our hairy friends to loosen our own habits, as comforting as having sniffed at home may have been. Keep reading to learn more about the relationship between your weight gain and your dog – and to get back on track, do not miss 19 weight loss foods that really work, experts say.
Also read 13 Foods Dogs Can’t Eat.
Pumpkin’s survey showed that 56% of dog parents reported weight gain for both them and their dogs since the pandemic began.
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Among Pumpkin’s respondents, 52% admitted giving extra candy to their dog during the pandemic. (If you want to move to trim down on these candies, check out 36 Tips When Going to Lose Weight.)
Forty-two percent of the voters in the poll said they had fed their leftovers, even when they knew they should not. (Oh, and if this looks like your table, read through one of the sushi rolls you’ll never order.)
Pumpkin and Fi report that 36% of the pet parents who spent more time at home said that their dog’s daily step count had increased during the shutdown (while less human activity led to a reduction in the puppy’s training by 33% as well).
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For dog owners who saw lockdown as a chance to intensify their own training routine, 66% also reported an increase in their puppy’s activity.
Dr. Ryan Gates, a veterinarian at Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Hospital, said that even when life becomes stressful, strange or relaxed for us, we must follow the guidelines regarding the health of our pets. “We think we show puppies the extra love they deserve,” says Gates, “but in the long run, pampering them with more candy or letting them finish our meals can actually hurt our beloved dogs. The effects of significant weight gain can lead to to many health problems, such as arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease, which ultimately shortens their life expectancy. “
It sounds like a good time to get the whole family’s diet in check. Continue reading:
