Dogs face serious health problems, leading to potentially expensive vet bills, if they receive too much food and exercise as puppies, according to new research from Hartpury University.
Obesity, stunted growth, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis are all potential conditions that may develop in dogs in later life as a result.
Hartpury University PhD candidate Georgia Lewis carried out the research with support from her tutors.
Georgia said: “It is crucial that growing puppies have a sufficient diet containing nutrients and vitamins that meet their high energy requirements…
“In terms of exercise, owners should avoid allowing puppies the use of stairs and should also prevent them from playing on slippery surfaces to avoid harsh impact on growing bones and joints…
“Young dogs’ bones are not fully developed and are unable to sustain stress or force, so exercise therefore must be limited until dogs have reached maturity to prevent injury. It is advised that a dog is exercised for five minutes per day, per month of age.”
