The rates of dog obesity are rising, and it could have serious impacts on your dogs overall health and wellbeing. In this blog, our vets in Mooresville share a list of ways you can determine if your dog is overweight and provide tips on how you can manage their obesity.
If you think your dog is overweight the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your vet. When a dog is carrying extra weight it can be a sign of an underlying health condition or could contribute to other health issues such as diabetes or joint pain.
At Lake Norman at Mooresville Animal Hospital, if we suspect your dog may be overweight, we will conduct a full examination of your pooch and weigh them on a scale. When the exam is over your vet will let you know if your dog is overweight taking your pups breed and physical build into consideration.
Has your furry bestie suddenly started looking a bit… rounder? Trust me you’re not alone in wondering “why is my dog getting so fat?” As a pet parent noticing unexpected weight gain in your four-legged companion can be concerning.
I recently went through this with my own dog, Buddy. One day I just looked at him and thought, “Wow, when did you get so chunky?” It felt like it happened overnight!
In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the common causes of doggy weight gain, how to tell if your pup is actually overweight, and what steps you can take to help them slim down safely. Let’s dig into why your dog might be packing on the pounds and what you can do about it!
How to Tell if Your Dog Is Actually Overweight
Before panicking about your dog’s weight, it’s important to confirm whether they’re actually overweight. Here are some simple ways to check:
The Rib Test
Run your hands along your dog’s sides. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard – similar to feeling the back of your hand. If you can’t feel the ribs because they’re covered by a layer of fat, your dog might be overweight.
Check for a Waistline
Look at your dog from above and from the side A healthy dog should have a visible “waist” – a narrowing between their ribcage and hips If your dog looks more like a sausage with no indentation, they’re probably carrying extra pounds.
Energy Levels
Overweight dogs often show:
- Lower energy levels
- Panting more than usual
- Walking slower
- Sleeping more than they used to
Visit Your Vet
When in doubt, your vet can weigh your dog and assess their body condition score. They’ll consider your dog’s breed and build when determining if they’re at a healthy weight.
7 Common Reasons Why Your Dog Is Getting Fat
1. They’re Getting Too Many Calories
This one’s pretty obvious but dogs gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn. Common culprits include
- Overfeeding at mealtime (not measuring portions)
- Too many treats and table scraps
- High-calorie dog food
Dogs actually need surprisingly few calories to maintain their weight. Small inactive dogs may need as little as 185-370 calories daily, while larger dogs (67-88 pounds) might need between 1,100-1,700 calories per day.
2. Not Enough Exercise
Just like humans, dogs need regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. If your dog’s exercise routine has decreased, they might start gaining weight.
Aim for at least 20-60 minutes of activity daily, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and size. And don’t worry – this doesn’t mean intense workouts! Even regular walks and playtime can make a big difference.
3. Medical Conditions
Sometimes weight gain isn’t just about diet and exercise. Several health conditions can cause your dog to pack on pounds:
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Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows metabolism and causes weight gain even if your dog isn’t eating more. Other signs include lethargy, hair loss, and weakness.
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Cushing’s Disease: This condition causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. Along with weight gain, symptoms might include excessive hunger, thirst, urination, heavy panting, and a pot-bellied appearance.
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Fluid Retention: Sometimes what looks like fat is actually fluid buildup due to heart disease or liver disease.
4. Age-Related Changes
As dogs get older, their metabolism naturally slows down. They may:
- Need fewer calories than when they were younger
- Be less active due to arthritis or other age-related conditions
- Have hormonal changes that affect their weight
Yet many of us continue feeding them the same amount as always, leading to gradual weight gain.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Just like some humans reach for comfort food when stressed, dogs can overeat due to anxiety or stress. Changes in routine, environment, or family dynamics can trigger emotional eating in dogs.
6. Medication Side Effects
Some medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. If your dog started gaining weight after beginning a new medication, this could be the culprit. Common medications that might affect weight include:
- Certain steroids
- Anti-seizure medications
- Some behavioral medications
7. Breed and Genetic Factors
Some dog breeds are simply more prone to weight gain than others. These breeds often need extra attention to diet and exercise:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- Basset Hounds
- Cocker Spaniels
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Cairn Terriers
- Norwegian Elkhounds
- Rough Collies
- Shetland Sheepdogs
Also, spayed or neutered dogs are more likely to gain weight due to hormonal changes that affect metabolism and energy expenditure.
Health Risks of Dog Obesity
Why should you care if your dog has gained a few pounds? Because carrying extra weight puts them at risk for serious health problems:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Diabetes
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Decreased life expectancy
- Certain types of tumors
- Reduced quality of life
- Breathing difficulties
Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight isn’t just about appearance – it’s about their overall health and happiness!
How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight Safely
If you’ve determined your dog is overweight, here’s how to help them slim down safely:
1. Visit Your Vet First
Always start with a vet visit to:
- Rule out medical causes for weight gain
- Get a proper diagnosis
- Create a safe weight loss plan tailored to your dog
2. Adjust Their Diet
- Measure portions precisely: Use a measuring cup or scale instead of eyeballing it
- Choose the right food: Your vet might recommend a weight management formula
- Feed at regular times: Consistent feeding schedules help control hunger
- Limit treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories
- Try healthy alternatives: Baby carrots or green beans can satisfy the need to give treats
3. Increase Exercise Gradually
Don’t suddenly take your overweight dog on a 5-mile run! Gradually increase activity:
- Add 5-10 minutes to daily walks
- Introduce new activities like swimming (easy on joints)
- Use puzzle toys that require movement to get treats
- Play more fetch or tug-of-war
4. Monitor Progress
- Weigh your dog regularly (every 2-4 weeks)
- Take progress photos
- Keep a journal of food and activity
- Schedule follow-up vet appointments
5. Be Patient
Safe weight loss for dogs is slow – about 1-2% of body weight per week. A crash diet can be dangerous for your pet.
Real Talk: Why We Struggle With Our Dogs’ Weight
Let’s be honest – there are emotional aspects to managing our dogs’ weight that make it challenging:
- We show love through food and treats
- Those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist!
- We feel guilty saying “no” to our best friends
- Treats make training easier
I totally get it! When Buddy looks at me with those big brown eyes while I’m eating dinner, it’s SO hard to resist sharing. But I’ve learned that true love means keeping him at a healthy weight so we can enjoy many years together.
When to Worry About Sudden Weight Gain
If your dog has gained weight very suddenly (over days or weeks rather than months), this could signal a serious medical issue that requires immediate attention. Contact your vet right away if your dog’s weight gain is accompanied by:
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Dramatic change in appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Swollen abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
- Behavioral changes
Final Thoughts: Your Dog Can Get Back in Shape!
While it can be worrying to realize your dog has gained weight, the good news is that with proper care, most dogs can safely return to a healthy weight. Remember that helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the best gifts you can give them – potentially adding years to their life and improving their quality of life.
Have you noticed your dog gaining weight recently? What steps have you taken to help them slim down? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or health, please consult with your veterinarian.
Common Reasons Dogs Become Overweight
There are many reasons why your dog could be overweight, below we have listed the most common reasons why your pup could be holding extra pounds:
- Eating more calories than they can burn through physical exercise
- A decrease in their ability to exercise due to the effects of aging such as arthritis or other conditions
- Eating too many table scraps, treats, or other foods high in calories
- Neutering
- Hypothyroidism
Is Your Dog Overweight?
If you dont know if you should bring your dog to the vet there is a handful of ways you can determine if your pooch is overweight at home.
If your dog is overweight you wont able to feel its ribs because the fat would be covering them. Generally, you should be able to feel your dogs ribs which would feel like the back of your hand.
Overweight dogs typically dont have a visible waistline, there would be no distinction between their stomach and chest when looking at them from the side or above.
You will often see lower energy and fitness in dogs that are overweight. You could see them panting or notice them walking slower than usual for dogs of their size, age, and breed. They might also sleep more often than usual.
The visual below displays dogs in different weight categories. You can use this chart to give you a better understanding of how dogs look when they are underweight, normal weight, and overweight.
My dog is TOO FAT!! How and Why!!!
FAQ
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According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, pets that are 10-20% over their ideal body weight are considered overweight, while pets 21% and over …Dec 4, 2023