Many people give their dog’s treats to show how much they appreciate them and while it is one way to reward good behaviour and show your dog you care, the truth of the matter is that your dog is just as happy with praise and a little extra playtime! You have heard over and over again that over feeding your dog and giving too many treats results in obesity and you know that an obese dog isn’t healthy but why exactly isn’t it healthy?

There are many side effects that come from being an obese canine, below you will find just a few.

Diabetes

Decreased lifespan

Poor coat quality

Gas

Joint damage

Constipation

Reproductive problems

Inability to perform simple tasks such as taking a walk

Higher risk of cancer

Liver Function problems

Lower Quality of Life

Digestive Disorders

Heart disease

Higher incidence of dermatological problems

Inability to withstand heat

High blood pressure

Decreased efficiency of the immune system

Higher risk of complication during surgery or anesthesia

Wheezing and decreased ability to breath

So next time you think about giving your fur kid an extra treat for being good, grab a ball and play a little fetch or give him a belly rub instead – you’ll both be happier for it!