Canine Obesity: Health Risks, Weight Loss Strategies and Prevention

Why obesity is such a big problem for our dogs

It's not always easy to see what is going on underneath your dog’s fur, so don't feel guilty about missing signs of weight gain. With more than half of all dogs now classified as overweight or obese, however, addressing this issue has become a top priority for improving canine health and welfare. Learning how to identify any weight changes early is, therefore, more important than ever before. Your pup only needs to be a few pounds overweight to be at risk of developing health problems, but don’t despair. As long as you treat any weight gain promptly, you can help avoid dog obesity symptoms and ensure your pet stays healthy and active.

Overweight dogs are at risk of developing:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Breathing problems, especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds
• Heatstroke
• Certain cancers

Do I really need to be concerned if my dog is overweight? Can it really make a difference to my dog’s health?

The truth is that dogs who are obese with at least 30% extra body weight are not just at a greater risk of becoming unwell. Studies also show that this excess weight can shorten their lifespan by nearly two years. The good news is that it's never too late to get your dog’s weight back under control, and you may be surprised by your pup’s new lease of life.

How to tell if your dog is overweight

When you're out with your pup, you may meet so many overweight dogs that it's understandable to mistake their excess pounds as normal. It's also increasingly common for people to incorrectly identify dogs as too thin, when they're actually an ideal weight. Of course, all of this may make it confusing to accurately assess your dog's weight.

How to monitor your pet’s weight:

• Regular weight checks
• Body condition scoring your pet

What is body condition scoring

Weight varies widely between dogs, even within the same breed. That's why, while regular weight checks are vital for small weight changes to be identified, body condition scoring is a more valuable tool for evaluating your dog’s weight. Body condition scoring assesses your pet’s fat distribution, to truly understand what's going on under your pet’s fur. Specific to dogs, the score is on a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 4 or 5 being ideal and 6 or above being overweight. This may sound daunting at first, but with help from your veterinarian, you will soon be able to monitor your pet’s weight at home. You can find more information about body condition scoring on the World Small Animal Veterinary Assosiation website.

A dog with an ideal body condition (score of 4 or 5) will meet the following criteria:

• You can feel their ribs with only gentle pressure
• When looking at your dog from above you can see a defined waist between their hips and rib cage
• When looking at your dog from the side you can see an abdominal tuck, with the tummy rising up towards the hips from the rib cage

How to help your dog lose weight

We all know how challenging it is to lose weight, so it's understandable to get frustrated when you're trying to get your dog to diet. Their pleading eyes and persistent begging can be impossible to ignore and make you feel guilty. Help, however, is waiting at your veterinarian, where you can get all the support you need to get your pet back into shape. If your veterinarian also offers a weight loss clinic, it may be even more helpful in helping you reach your pet’s target weight.

Tips for helping your dog lose weight:

• Make mealtimes fun – Use food puzzles, treat dispenser toys or scatter your dog’s food to make mealtimes last longer and be more engaging. It can also increase satiety, or their feeling of being full and satisfied after eating.
• Reduce your dog’s portion size – Their normal diet can be reduced under veterinary guidance, but care needs to be taken to make sure that it remains complete and balanced.
• Feed a weight loss diet – Diets specifically designed for weight loss ensure that the weight loss is controlled, without risking any nutritional deficiencies. This also helps a dog feel fuller, increasing your chances of achieving successful weight loss.
• Increase your dog’s exercise.
• Cut out all treats and food scraps – You can use part of your dog’s daily food ration as treats, which can be fed throughout the day.
• Weigh your dog’s food – even measuring cups can be inaccurate, so weighing your dog’s food is essential to make sure you're feeding the correct amount.
• Avoid multiple meals by making sure everyone in the house knows the rules – some pets are experts at persuading people they haven’t been fed when they have been!

Preventing canine obesity

Prevention is always easier than a cure when dealing with obesity in dogs, so regular weight monitoring and body condition scoring can start as soon as you bring your dog home. You may feel overwhelmed by monitoring a puppy’s growth, so your veterinarian may recommend using a puppy growth chart to help prevent obesity from an early age. Getting into good habits early will protect your pup against many health conditions, ensuring a long, active future for your pup.

How to help prevent your dog from becoming overweight:

• Make sure your dog is fed a complete food that is balanced with the nutrients they require.
• Feed a diet appropriate for your dog’s life stage – Puppies will need to be fed a puppy food to support their growth, while elderly dogs will benefit from a senior diet.
• Any treats should be fed in moderation – Treats should be included within your dog’s daily calorie allowance. Your veterinarian can help you figure this out. Also, be aware that feeding too many treats can unbalance your dog’s diet.

It can be easy to slip up with your dog’s diet from time to time, but rest assured that, with regular weight monitoring throughout your dog’s life, you'll identify any weight changes before they cause any problems. Your veterinarian can also help support you if your dog’s weight gets out of control, so never feel embarrassed to ask for help. In the long term, your dog will thank you for monitoring their weight and, in doing so, providing them with a healthier and happier life.