5 Ways Fat Dogs are Eating Up Your Checkbook

When it comes right down to it, one of the best things about being a dog owner is spoiling your pup. Pets provide us with so much care and love that it’s only fair we try and return the favor, right?

It can be tempting to keep reaching for the treat bag as your dog’s tail wags and you hear the sweet sound of happy paws. But those extra treats are doing your pup far more harm than good.

Pet obesity is reported to be the biggest health threat to pets. In fact, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says that over half of dogs qualify as unhealthy or obese!

It’s highly likely that your pet’s obesity isn’t just eating into your pantry — it’s eating into your pocketbook.

Read on to see why your fat dogs could be costing more than you think, and what you can do about it.

5 Ways Fat Dogs Can Eat Up Your Funds

Extra Food Expenses

Let’s start with the most obvious way fat dogs can rack up expenses: food costs.
It’s understandable that you’ll want to provide your pet with the best possible food on the market. And there’s nothing wrong with that!

Be sure you’re not overfeeding your dog and that you monitoring their caloric intake. Adding that extra scoop of kibble to your dog’s bowl may seem like a generous act, but it can end up costing you more.

On average, dry dog food costs about $25-$50 per bag. And that’s if you’re getting the basic food. Depending on your dog’s breed and needs, it can sometimes cost double that.

If you’re feeding your dog more than the recommended amount, that’s an extra $50-$100 a year you could pocket! Use that extra money on an extra special trip to the pet store instead of adding to your dog’s health problems.

Of course, any good dog owner knows that feeding your pup is about more than just standard dog food. Treats are an essential part of any dog’s life, but they can cost you more than dog food!

Nobody likes saying no to their pet, but you may be doing your dog and wallet a favor by showing discipline.

If you have fat dogs, consider lower calorie treats or breaking treats in half. That way they’re still getting rewarded and you’re saving money!

We recommend that pet owners consult their vet before switching up your dog’s diet. Ask about your dog’s caloric needs and get some food recommendations.

More Weight Means More Vet Visits

Are there two words that send shivers down a dog’s spine more than ‘The Vet’? If your pet has packed on extra pounds, expect to make more frequent trips to the vet’s office.

Having a heavier dog means that you’ll need to take your fat dogs in for checkups for more often. If even one vet visit seems expensive, you’ll want to brace yourself, because the data isn’t pretty.

On average, pet owners can expect to spend about $1,000 per year on vet visits. And that’s assuming your dog is healthy.

Believe it or not, your pet’s health care may end up costing more than your own! Don’t let canine obesity result in a lighter bank account.

Something as simple as walking for a half hour per day can have tremendous benefits for your beloved pet. And you’ll both enjoy the benefits!

Increased physical activity results in a stronger bond and decreased medicine costs. And how can you say no to less money and more snuggles?

Increased Medicine Costs

Speaking of health, vet visits aren’t the only health costs you’ll incur if you have fat dogs.

Just like with humans, increased weight tend to result in more health problems. Dogs already have to worry about fleas, ticks, and other simple issues.

But here are some other things your dog may suffer from if they’re struggling with their weight.

• Heart disease
  • This may not be all that surprising, but the increased weight will put extra strain on your dog’s heart.
• Urinary Tract Infections
  • It’s gross but true. Fat dogs aren’t able to reach those hard-to-clean areas, resulting in nasty bacteria.
• Arthritis
  • Extra weight places pressure on your dog’s already sensitive joints, making movement tougher. As you’d expect, less movement just results in a heavier pet. Keep your dog lean to avoid having to buy expensive arthritis medication.
• Breathing trouble
  • Have you noticed your pup is snoring or wheezing? It may seem cute, but it could be a sign of a bigger issue. Canine obesity can affect your dog’s breathing, so be on the lookout as they nap or exercise.

Expect to pay hundreds of dollars per year for medicine if your dog is obese.

Grooming and Disease

Fat dogs are often too large to clean themselves, leading to an increase in grooming costs.

Your dog’s coat may not look as shiny as it once did because of their weight. Most pet owners are familiar with the correlation between their dog’s coat and its health.

Since dog fur produces natural chemicals and oils, it’s critical that your dog is able to clean itself. Unclean dogs run the risk of contracting skin conditions such as Mange and painful sores.

Even if you don’t have your dog professionally groomed, you’ll end up spending more money on shampoos and treatments.

It’s a lose-lose situation, really. Your dog will be miserable and you’ll have to spend unnecessary extra money.

Pet Insurance Will Cost More

Between vet visits and an increased dosage of medicine, you’ll have to get your pet insured to save money. But don’t think you’re out of the woods yet.

Pet insurance is expensive enough as it is. But you’ll end up paying more to insure fat dogs.

The good news is that pet insurance companies are often more lenient than ours. The bad news is that there’s still a chance your dog’s coverage will be denied.

And even if your pet is accepted, you’ll still have to pay more since obesity is a pre-existing condition.

Fat dogs or small dogs, pets can be the best part of our lives. It can be fun to spoil your best friend, but make sure you’re not actually hurting them in the long run.

If you have questions about your dog’s health, be sure to get in touch. And keep visiting our blog for up to date news and product reviews.

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