Would You Report Your Neighbor If Their Dog Was?

Question

grossly overweight? This dog (German Shepherd) is so fat he can not walk down the porch steps without family members helping him.

I asked the neighbor in a "joking fashion" what they were feeding the dog because he looked as if he had put on weight. They claimed, "He eats what we eat."

I swear you guys would really have to see this dog for yourselves. He is grossly overweight. The dog looks like a freak dog.

As to the backyard issue. We both have huge backyards but when the dog is outside (which is about 20 minutes per day) all he does is lie around. My dogs will run back and forth along the fence but he will not move. I'm sure his little legs hurt from supporting so much weight.

Answer 1

You can report them, but animal control may not do anything about it. Their main concern is with dogs that are being starved or beaten. You could try sending them anonymous fliers about canine nutrition and obesity, but I doubt it will do any good. If they understood and cared, they would have done something about it already.

Answer 2

Well, how would you feel if someone tells you that your dog (lets say you have a dog, I don't know) is fat. It's not nice, right?

But you can make simple suggestions to them. If you are friendly with them, you can tell them without being rude. Try something like that you read in a dog magazine at a store...or library...

- that dogs only need 2 meals/day and no more

- that dogs can have cookies, snacks but don't over feed them

- that they need daily exercise & not just in the backyard. The backyard is an easy way but the owners must take him out & walk for a good 10-20min. And do this about 2 times a day.

- that they need to play with their dog. If this dog is overweight, then, it's the owner's fault. The owner is not giving enough attention to him. It doesn't take a lot of time. Just go in the backyard, play ball or chase the dog...anything to make him run. Take him to a park if their yard is too small. This is a good way for the dog to work off his weight, build energy and gain muscles.

-what is he eating? He can be eating food that is not healthy for him. You can tell them to consider switching to a lighter dog formula.

Again, try to say it nicely to them. They don't want to be insulted that their dog is fat. They probably know but tell them that you found some useful tips on how to help their dog lose weight.

Good luck & hope they don't have to help him down the porch steps for too long.

Answer 3

That's a tough one. Do they treat the dog with love and just over feed it? I mean, if someone comes and takes the dog to a pound, will it be able to loose the weight just laying in a cage? Will someone rescue the dog from the pound and give it a better life, or will the dog be put to sleep? Maybe you should find out what would happen to the dog if you reported them and maybe weigh in the factor of the dog being possibly well loved at home right now. Sure the dog will die from its condition, but maybe it's happy and so are its loving owner. Think of the whole picture and what could happen as a result of your actions should you take any. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 4

Have you tried talking to them yourself? That would be the nicer thing to do. As obvious as this problem should be, some people really are that stupid and/or oblivious to see it. Maybe if you try to explain to them just how dangerous it is for the dog to be overweight, and suggest some diet food and maybe some other suggestions to help him lose his extra girth they would listen and you wouldn't have to make any "waves". But if you feel uncomfortable about the confronting them directly, then by all means call the ASPCA or humane society to have them talk to the people. The world would become a better place if more people would act like you and care about the person (or animal) next to them, and not just themselves.

Answer 5

It depends on the situation. I would talk to the neighbour first and find out if maybe the dog has an illness or something. Find out also what they feed the dog....they may be overfeeding him by mistake or something...but i think it's something you should talk to your neighbour first and see if there really is a problem, and if after all that you are still concerned then i would report it to the appropriate athorities. Also if they're having trouble taking the weight off the dog you should encourage them to maybe change it's diet and it's exercise routine. It's nice to see that there are still people who care enough about animals to be concerned for their wellbeing!! I hope things work out for the dog.

Answer 6

LOL, would you report your neighbour for being fat? Maybe it's genetic and the dog just loves eating. 30% of Canadians are overweight, but you don't see the government doing anything about it. Sad part is, healthcare for humans in Canada is free. Healthcare for animals costs an arm and a leg. I don't know why you're so nosey in your neighbour's business. Sometimes, you can't fight gentics and you are what biology wants you to be.

Answer 7

That is sad. Sounds like the dog does not get any exercise like does not have a nice big yard to run around in or go for walks. For the dogs health, yes I would report.

Answer 8

If you're concerned about it ask the neighbors hey i dnt think this is right for the dog, it wories me to see a dog this overweight you should see in puttin him in a diet or feed him daily. I kno its hard to jus go up to them like dat but its worth n at the end youll feel good cus you helped out!

Answer 9

you can call the spca to report it. overfeeding your dog and not feeding it the right stuff is considered animal abuse in a few places. normally though, the dogs that are overweight have major health problems and they could be charged with neglect of their health. here is an interesting ariticle on a dog with severe obesity in AZ. the owners were feeding her beer and donuts...there is also a little interview thing with the dog.

Answer 10

No, for all you know the dog is already under the care of veterinarian for a metabolic problem. Most people overfeed their pets anyway, out of love. Of course it isn't healthy, but I would be much more concerned about a dog that was skin and bones.

Answer 11

The dog may have a medical problem.
I don't know, I'd have to really think about that before I made " bad neighbors" only to find out that they are actually helping the dog. He may be receiving treatment for something.?????
But, if you see them helping him down the stairs, that shows SOME concern, right?
Pretty much your call.
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