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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 05/27/2023
We all love our furry friends, and we want them to be healthy and happy. But sometimes we aren’t doing what’s best for our four-legged companions.
With the rise of sedentary lifestyles, overfeeding, and lack of physical activity, obesity has become a major health concern for dogs. In fact, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that more than 50% of dogs are overweight [1]!
You may think it’s not a big deal if your dog is a bit chubby. You could even find them cuter. But you need to think about their health since obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue.
If your dog suffers from being overweight, this can lead to various health problems, ranging from less severe to life-threatening. Here are some of the health issues that have been connected to obesity in dogs:
Arthritis
Chronic kidney disease
Bladder/Urinary tract disease
Liver disease
Low thyroid hormone production
Diabetes
Heart failure
High blood pressure
Cancer
We don’t mean to scare you! Instead, we want to make sure you’re aware of the issue and how to combat it. We know everyone wants the best for their precious pets.
Time to learn about how you can help your dog if they’re overweight or obese.
The topic of weight in society as a whole has become more and more distorted. That is because being overweight, for both humans and dogs, has become more normalized. So, some owners don’t even realize their dog is overweight!
Obesity in dogs occurs when their body weight exceeds the recommended weight for their breed and size. As we said, studies show that over 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. This is a worrying statistic as obesity can lead to serious health problems and a shorter lifespan for our furry friends.
Don’t panic or stress! A lot of people don’t know how to measure obesity in their dogs.
This is where you should check their body condition score to find out. We’ve included a diagram below.
A healthy dog should have a defined waist and a visible rib cage, but not be too skinny. If you're unsure about your dog's weight, consult with your veterinarian.
And, most importantly, don't wait until it's too late to take action!
There are several factors that can contribute to obesity in dogs. Here are some of the most common causes:
One of the most common causes of obesity in dogs is overfeeding. Feeding your dog more calories than they need can lead to weight gain. Additionally, feeding your dog table scraps or high-calorie treats can also be a contributor to their weight gain.
Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, especially if your dog is not getting enough physical activity.
Pair this with eating too much, any human or dog would be prone to gaining a couple of pounds!
Some dog breeds are more prone to obesity than others. For example, breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible to obesity.
If you know your dog is more likely to become obese, you’ll need to be extra vigilant when caring for your pet. Make sure you’re following feeding advice for professionals and giving them enough physical stimulation.
As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, which means they require fewer calories. However, some owners may continue to feed their dogs the same amount of food, which can lead to weight gain.
Certain health conditions such as hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain in dogs.
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✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
If you suspect that your dog is overweight or obese, it’s important to take steps to prevent further weight gain and improve their health. Here are some solutions to obesity in dogs:
The first step in managing your dog's weight is to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you determine your dog's ideal weight and provide advice on how to achieve and maintain it. Your veterinarian may also recommend a special diet or exercise program for your dog.
One of the most important things you can do to manage your dog's weight is to control their portion sizes.
Follow the feeding instructions on the dog food packaging and use a measuring cup to ensure that you are feeding the appropriate amount of food.
Or if you’ve gone to the vet and talked about a specific diet for your pet, make sure you follow this. It’s always good to track your progress on paper (or digitally).
Feeding your dog high-quality dog food can help them maintain a healthy weight. Look for dog food that contains high-quality protein and whole grains and avoid dog food that contains fillers or artificial preservatives.
And, if you feed raw, you could always consider switching to proteins with less fat. For instance, wild boar has a lot more fat content than chicken or turkey.
Learn more about dog food types
While treats are an important part of training and bonding with your dog, it’s also crucial to limit their intake if they’re struggling with their weight. Choose low-calorie treats and use them sparingly.
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight in dogs. Take your dog for daily walks or runs, play fetch or tug-of-war, or enroll them in an agility class.
Make sure to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your dog's physical activity to prevent injury. This is especially important if your dog is more obese.
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, but it’s preventable and manageable—and that’s where you need to come in!
By being intentional, using some of the above routes, you can help your dog maintain a healthy weight and live a longer, happier life. This is all any of us want… to spend as much time with our furry best friends as we can.
If you’re concerned about your dog's weight, you don’t need to feel alone! Consult with your veterinarian or talk to a pet nutritionist for advice and support. Together, you can develop a plan to change your dog’s life for the better!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso.
