Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Opinions Breed Ignorance

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Everyone has an opinion, but when they’re uninformed, they’re a pain in the butt! The Hairy Dogfathers weigh in on what to do when people comment on your dog’s size.

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

Six months ago I adopted Mars from the pound. They estimate him to be about 16 months old, and he is such an awesome dog!

Mars has a lot of energy. I take him to the dog park before work, play fetch when I get home, and we jog together every evening after dinner. Mars enjoys all this as much as I do! The shelter said he was part boxer, and that he would be high energy. We meet each other’s needs and make each other so happy.

But there is just one thing that I wish I could change. I am simply sick and tired of people commenting on my dog’s weight! Due to our active lifestyle, Mars has a lean, athletic build. It seems that no matter where I go, friends, family, and even complete strangers feel they can make comments about my dog’s weight. Some are innocent, some are accusatory. Mars has seen the vet, and I was told that he is a happy, healthy, athletic dog. How do I stop these comments… other than bringing a signed note from my vet everywhere we go?

Signed, I’ve had it up to here!

Related:Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Dog Don’t Got Game

You and Mars sound like quite the team, it’s great to hear how you work together to meet each other’s needs. The reality is that many dogs have trouble keeping weight on, especially when they are young and active. If your vet says that Mars is healthy, then you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately there is no hiding Mars athletic build with a boxer-like coat and you can’t change the perception of others. What you can change is how you interpret the comments you hear, and I’m guessing that many of those comments are coming from owners of overweight dogs. Be proud that you are able to meet your dog’s needs and that you and Mars are happy and healthy.

Keep up the great teamwork!

Related:How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

I am so happy to hear that your dog isn’t overweight and at risk of developing further health problems. Obesity, in pets and humans, is at an all-time high, as evidenced that people can’t appreciate a lean, healthy dog when they see one. These nosey-nellies are popping up everywhere! You can’t stop them from saying dumb things, but you can give them something to talk about! When it’s a stranger, tell them he’s training for the Olympics, smile, and then just walk away.

For your family, be firm and stand your ground. Start a conversation about pet obesity, and the dangers that pet parents are putting their dogs and cats in by over-feeding and under-exercising. Be that guy! Be that guy who talks about the risks of overweight pets – make education your best defence. Soon enough they’ll understand what you are talking about and stop telling you to feed your dog more!

Good luck and keep up the good work!

And if all else fails, remember that if the negative-nellies start to bring you down … you can easily outrun them!

Kevin

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

6 Handy Tips When Renovating With Dogs In The House

Kevin Roberts just finished renovating his house, and as a dog dad, that means that extra precautions had to be taken to keep his pooches safe. Here are a fe…
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish are a family of ray-finned saltwater fish. They are characterized by their large eyes and long, sharp dorsal spines.
Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.
Doxie Cairn

If you like little dogs with a lot of spunk, you''ll love the Doxie Cairn! This designer dog was developed by crossing a Dachshund with the Cairn Terrier.
Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house, including with children.
Three-Toed Box Turtle

The Three-Toed Box Turtle is a subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, and it is named ""three-toed"" because its back feet feature three toes.
Auss Tzu

The energetic Auss Tzu is a unique mix of the headstrong little Shih Tzu and the fun-loving Miniature Australian Shepherd.
What You Need To Know About Indoor Dog Parks

It''s pretty cold and snowy - but there''s no excuse to sit on the couch with your dog all winter. Get moving and check out indoor dog parks near you!
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Kiwi

We think that Kiwi is a sweetie – that’s why she’s our Adoptable Dog of the Week! Hailing from Salem, OR, Kiwi is a 3.5-year-old female Ame…
Product Review: Raycop RN Allergen Vacuum Leaves No Pet Hair Behind

You know how sometimes you’re lucky enough to stumble across an appliance that you never knew you needed until you got it, and then you can’t imagine how you go…
Top 10 Best Dogs For Allergy Sufferers

What dogs won''t make you sneeze? Learn the basics about hypoallergenic dog breeds and our recommendations for the top 5 best dogs for allergy sufferers.
Is a Dog’s Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human’s?

You''ve seen the things that have gone into your dog''s mouth - that''s why it''s hard to believe that a dog''s mouth is really cleaner than a human''s mouth.
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Charlie

We want to introduce you to Charlie, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Charlie is a gorgeous adult Husky who lives in Vancouver, WA. He is al…
Works of Art You Want Your Cat to Shred

When a traditional scratching post doesn''t cut it, you need to shred it up a notch. For your fancy-pants kitty, only a Copycat Art Scratcher will do!
Airedale Terrier

Of all the terriers, there may be none that so embody what we imagine this type of dog to be than an Airedale Terrier. They are known as quick learners.