Grooming obese dogs...

🐾 Overweight Dogs: A Groomer’s Perspective on Health, Responsibility & Love...

As professional dog groomers, we see overweight dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds walk through our doors. We hear countless stories about how a pet became obese—and we witness firsthand the heartbreaking consequences: dogs too uncomfortable to lift a leg, stand up, or even breathe properly during a bath.

⚠️ The Truth About Pet Obesity

Dogs are not born overweight. Their health is shaped by our choices. As owners, we control:

• 🥣 What and how much they eat

• 🏡 Their environment and lifestyle

• 🐕 Their exercise and activity levels

Many people simply lack the knowledge—or fall victim to marketing hype—choosing convenience over nutrition. Feeding kibble, wet food, or human meals like pasta and hamburgers may feel loving, but it often leads to serious health issues. Using food to compensate for guilt, absence, or neglect only worsens the problem.

🐶 “My Dog Is Lazy…”

We hear this often. But dogs naturally love to walk, run, jump, and play. If they’re not doing these things, it’s likely due to pain, discomfort, or excess weight—not laziness. Our feeding habits can shorten their lifespan and rob them of the joy they deserve.

🚫 What Dogs Don’t Need

• 🍽️ To lick our plates clean

• 🍗 Treats just because they’re cute

• 🍝 Human food that’s unhealthy for us too

We live in a world saturated with poor-quality food—but we also have access to endless resources. Whether you choose a cooked or raw diet, balanced and nutritious options are available. If you’re unsure, research it. Your dog’s health depends on it.

💔 What We See in the Salon

It’s heartbreaking to see dogs:

• Struggling to stand or hop onto the grooming table

• Unable to remain upright during a bath

• Suffering from heart disease, kidney issues, arthritis, tooth decay, and more

• Dying prematurely—sometimes as young as 9 years old

  
  

🧠 The Danger of Humanising Dogs

We love our dogs deeply. But when we project human emotions onto them—feeding them fried chicken because they “look sad”—we do them a disservice. Especially with rescues, our desire to “give them the best” must be rooted in what’s truly best for their health.

💪 Pawrenting Is a Commitment

If you love your dog (and we know you do), show it through action:

• 🥗 Feed them the right food, in the right amount

• 🐕 Exercise them regularly

• 🧼 Brush, bathe, and groom them

• ✂️ Trim their nails

• 🩺 Schedule vet checkups

• 🐾 Socialise them and keep them engaged

  
  

These pets rely on us for everything. Discipline, effort, and education are key. Pawrenting isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. 🐕💕