Is My Dog Overweight?

Like humans, dogs may easily gain a few extra pounds, particularly as they age and engage in less physical activity.

The likelihood of acquiring associated health issues rises with dogs' excess weight and obesity rates.  In affluent nations, a startling 35%* of dogs are overweight, yet most owners are unaware of this until they take their pets to the veterinarian for a related condition.  It's simple to understand why it's crucial to keep a close eye on your dog's weight and physical condition because obese and overweight dogs are far more prone to suffer health issues including diabetes, respiratory disorders, arthritis, and even behavioural issues.

*Source: PDSA 2009

 

Is my dog overweight?

Your veterinarian can determine whether your dog is overweight during routine examinations, but it's easy to weigh a small dog at home using a bathroom scale.  To quantify the difference, weigh yourself first, then pick up your dog and return to the scales.  Larger dogs will find this more challenging, so you might want to follow your veterinarian's recommendations if your dog is larger in breed!

For a more thorough evaluation, utilise our body conditioning tool. It takes little time to check your dog's physical health, and it gives you more time to spend with them.

 

Helping your dog lose weight

Before making any dietary changes, consult your veterinarian. They can provide you with advice on how to achieve your dog's appropriate weight.  You should know what weight you are striving for since, for instance, the optimal weight of a Labrador will never be the same as the ideal weight of a Toy breed.  Before you start combating the fat, it's crucial to have your dog weighed and examined for any underlying health conditions, since their weight increase may not be the result of overeating.

 

Dog weight loss tips

• Reduce the amount of energy your dog consumes and increase the amount they burn off via play and exercise to help them lose weight.
• Treats and table leftovers are frequently rich in calories, so eliminate them and ensure that the rest of the family does the same. This is still cheating, even if it's done with love! To prevent your overweight dog from snatching any leftovers, feed them separately if you have many dogs.
• To lessen hunger and begging, try breaking up your dog's food into smaller quantities and feeding them more frequently. You should also continually monitor what your dog is eating.
• Your veterinarian could advise switching to a special lower-calorie food or lowering the quantity you are giving.
• Never restrict your dog's diet or "starve" them without first seeing a veterinarian.
  

 

Consult your vet

Consult your veterinarian again if your dog doesn't lose weight after increasing exercise and cutting calories. They might want to look into any underlying medical issues that could be contributing to your dog's weight gain. A dog weight-reduction group may also be available at your veterinarian's office, which will assist you in keeping track of your dog's weight and give a wealth of guidance and recommendations. For dogs, losing weight is a gradual process, and patience is the key to success.

 

Light dog diets

For your overweight dog, you may also think about a specifically made "light" meal.  Although "light" dog food products include less fat than regular dog food, they are nonetheless packed with vital nutrients to keep your dog healthy even on smaller rations.

Before making any dietary changes, be careful to consult your veterinarian if your dog is presently on a particular diet due to a medical condition or is on a sensitive or fragile formula.

You don't want your dog to continue dropping weight, so once they're back to their optimal body condition, give them a little more to assist stabilise their weight. To ensure your furry buddy remains content and healthy, keep an eye on their physical state on a frequent basis.

 

No crash diets

If you want your dog to lose weight rapidly, don't starve them. Your pet will not receive the proper mix of vital minerals and vitamins, which are a crucial component of dog nutrition, if their food consumption is reduced by more than 15%. Involving your veterinarian from the start is crucial since upsetting the balance of your dog's food might increase the likelihood that they will get sick.

 

Increasing exercise

When it comes to your dog's weight loss, food is just one factor.  Exercise is essential to promote healthy weight loss in dogs because inactivity is frequently the cause of weight gain.

 

Dog exercise tips

• An overweight dog can benefit immensely from more activity, which is simple to achieve.
• You're spending more time with your pet when you go for a 10-minute walk or play with them for 20 minutes every day. A few more "fetch" throws can be just as beneficial to your health as they are to theirs!
• Depending on your pet's age and the recommendation of your veterinarian, make sure the activity is strenuous enough to make your dog's heart race!
• You run the danger of suffering from heatstroke if you do this in really hot weather.  Avoid the noon heat and never take your dog for a walk in really hot weather.

 

Be patient

Since your dog's weight is closely related to their health, it's always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian before starting a weight-loss program.  Your veterinarian will be able to monitor your pet's progress and offer you continuous assistance in addition to assisting you in creating a customised weight-loss plan.  Regular weight-loss clinics are offered by several practices to help keep you and your pet motivated and on the correct path.

 

WagMart brands for overweight and obese dogs

Numerous well-known Purina brands provide meticulously crafted light diets for dogs that are overweight. These diets are the outcome of the most recent scientific advancements in quality, flavour, and nutrition, and they are all designed to assist a controlled weight reduction program.  To find out more, click on any brand.

 Depending on how much your dog needs to shed, weight loss should be done gradually over a few months. In some situations, this can take up to a year.  Be patient if your dog loses weight too quickly since they can easily put it back on.

Looking for more dog exercise tips? Read our article to get inspired.