Is Your Dog Overweight? Here’s What You Need to Know

The numbers on dog obesity are startling: In 2018, a survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found approximately 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. After reading that stat, you may look at your pup and wonder, “is my dog overweight?”

Sometimes a pudgy pup is cute. Unfortunately, excess pounds puts your dog at risk for health problems. It is important to maintain a healthy weight for the entirety of your dog’s life. This is how to determine if your dog is overweight and what to do about it if the answer is yes.

Is your dog overweight?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to your dog’s weight. Different breeds have different weight standards and silhouettes. However, you can use a body mass index (BMI) calculator to determine if your pup is at an unhealthy weight.

VCA Animal Hospitals define obesity this way:

 “Dogs are considered to be overweight when they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight. They are considered obese when they weigh 20% or more above their ideal body weight.”

This chart from the American Kennel Club (AKC) shares the typical weight by breed. The AKC data provides a starting point for thinking about your dog’s weight.

However, the number on the scale isn’t the only factor to consider. Rib coverage is one way to measure if your dog is overweight. Follow these steps from VCA:

“If you hold your hand palm down and feel your knuckles with the flats of the fingers on the opposite hand, this is how your dog’s ribs should feel just behind the shoulder blades. It is also a good method for measuring weight loss progress between formal weigh-ins.”

Which dogs are at most risk for obesity?

Spayed or neutered dogs may have a greater risk of gaining weight because of the change in metabolism and loss of hormones.

However, some breeds are predisposed to obesity. According to the OPET: Owners and Pets Exercising Together study, these pups are more likely to be overweight:

• Cairn Terriers
• West Highland White Terriers
• Scottish Terriers
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Basset Hounds
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Beagles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Labrador Retrievers

On the other hand, the survey found some breeds, like sighthounds, appear to be resistant to obesity. Just like people…there’s always that one person who can eat anything and never gain a pound. Ugh!

What are the health risks?

Even a small amount of extra weight can be quite harmful to your pup. VCA warns:

“As few as five pounds above the ideal body weight can put your dog at risk for developing some serious medical conditions.” Once your pup is overweight or obese, it is almost guaranteed they will develop secondary conditions.

Some of the diseases caused by obesity include:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Osteoarthritis (arthritis)
• Increased frequency of joint injuries
• High blood pressure
• Some forms of cancer – especially intra-abdominal cancers
• Shorter life span
• Respiratory issues
• Urinary bladder stones

However, sometimes obesity indicates other diseases. For example, an overweight dog may have hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) or Cushing’s disease (overactive adrenal glands).

What can you do?

Dogs gain weight the same way humans do, eating too much and exercising too little. Make some adjustments to your pup’s lifestyle to help them shed extra pounds.

Diet

First, talk to your veterinarian if you decide to start a new diet for your pup. Then, think about what you are feeding your dog. Do you give him table scraps at every meal? Do you feed him his daily meals and many treats during the day? Try these simple changes to reduce your pup’s daily calorie intake:

• Cut down the “human” food you share with your pup.
• Make sure treats make up 10% or less of their daily calories.
• Try replacing a portion of your dog’s second meal of the day with low-sodium green beans and a doggie multi-vitamin.

Reminder: do not make these types of changes to your pup’s diet without consulting a vet.

Don’t just reduce the amount of food your dog is eating. Feed your pup a product that has lower overall calorie density, while still maintaining a nutrient balance. Talk to your vet about the right food for your dog. Once you’ve selected a new food, make sure you are consistent. No cheat days for your dog!

There are even foods specially made to help your dog lose weight. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: always talk to your vet first for recommendations and help developing a plan.

Exercise

There are lots of ways to get your pup moving. You can get fit together. If you don’t have the time to work out with your pup, let them exercise indoors. Send your pooch to doggy daycare to interact and play with other dogs.

Go for a run

 Yes, running is a type of exercise, but it is important to remember that not all dogs are able to run long distances. Think about your pup’s age. Puppies and young dogs can damage their joints by running on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

Related: Best Dog Leashes for Running

Protect your pup

Puppy dog eyes are hard to ignore. Don’t always indulge a pooch begging for table scraps or an extra treat. It’s extremely important to be vigilant about your dog’s weight because obesity can cause serious health problems.