Obesity in dogs

Obesity in dogs can lead to chronic diseases and shorten their overall lifespan. Learn how to tell if your dog is overweight, how to prevent obesity and when to consult a vet.

Most often, obesity in dogs is due to the dog eating too much and moving too little. And it’s down to the owner to ensure that their dog eats healthily and gets enough exercise. Obesity in pets is a problem in the UK.

Obesity in dogs can lead to:

Joint problems
Heart problems
Weakened immune system
Cancer
Breathing problems
Diabetes

How do you tell if your dog is overweight?

Dogs weight and build can vary depending on their breed. However, there are some ways to help determine if your dog is overweight:

When you feel your dog’s chest, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without any difficulty. You should also be able to see your dog’s waist.

Be aware, if you can clearly see your dog’s ribs, it might be an indication that it is underweight. Here’s a helpful marker:

Underweight dog
The ribs are clearly visible, the waist is stretched, and the dog has almost no fat
Normal weight
You can feel the dog’s ribs and it has a clear waist. It has just enough fat over the ribs and root of the tail
Overweight
It’s difficult to feel the ribs due to fat, and the abdominal line is straight. The dogs also has obvious fat deposits over the loin and root of the tail.
Severely overweight
You cannot feel the ribs and the dog’s abdominal line is round and hangs down. The dog has a lot of fat over the chest, back, neck and root of the tail. The neck is wider than the head.

How much should I feed my dog?

Dog food will usually come with its own instructions on feeding amounts, but you should adjust this to suit your dog’s needs. If you regularly weigh your dog, you will know how much food it needs to maintain a healthy weight, and whether their portion sizes need to be adjusted.

Like us, dogs have their individual needs when it comes to healthy weight gain. If you need help managing your dog’s diet, check out our pet nutrition guide.

Is your dog always hungry?

Some dogs could continuously eat 24 hours a day if you let them, and still not be satisfied. Generally speaking, fibre and protein are better for helping satiate your dog’s hunger. And slimming food is available to particularly insatiable dogs.

Consider responding to your dog’s signals with play and walks instead of food or treats.

There can also be underlying reasons for increased appetite in dogs. For example, genetic background and medical causes such as hormonal disorders.

Weight, muscle and feeding affect a dog’s lifespan

Good food, adequate portions and good care all contribute to a longer life in dogs, studies show.

How to avoid obesity in dogs

Weigh your dog regularly so you notice if the weight changes over time
If possible, avoid giving your dog leftovers, and control how many treats they get
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise – try cycling, running and walking
Spend more time playing with your dog.

Weight gain after castration

It is normal for dogs to gain weight after castration; however, they should not become obese. After castration, the dog’s sex hormones decrease, leading to a lower metabolism. But many dogs will also experience an increased appetite after castration.

When should I contact a vet?

It’s good to speak to a vet if you notice your dog is severely obese and has health problems. The vet will give your dog a checkup and make any recommendations for caring for them before you begin their diet.

They will also weigh your dog before the diet begins and help you set a target weight.

It’s important that everyone in your household is aware of your dog’s diet and helps to support with it.

About the Author

Amanda Andersson is a content writer Agria Djurförsäkring in Sweden, specialising in animal welfare. Previous experience includes Volvo on Demand, and 60plusbanken in Sweden.