How to help your dog lose weight, according to a vet

It’s important for your dog to be in shape. Why? Overweight dogs are at risk of a variety of health problems. However, managing your dog’s weight can be difficult, especially when they like to eat. You should help them maintain a healthy weight from an early age because once they’re overweight, it can be even harder to help them shed the pounds. But if your dog does have some weight to lose, you’re not alone. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (Trusted Source)  reports that over 50% of dogs in North America are overweight.

How do I know if my dog is overweight?

If you suspect your dog might be overweight, you should first speak to your veterinarian. Your dog’s ideal weight is very unique, so your vet will help you understand how your pup’s body should look. You can tell your dog is overweight by:

• • Weighing your dog. If your dog’s weight has increased significantly from their normal weight, this is probably a good indicator that they’re overweight.
  • Evaluating your dog’s body condition. A body condition score is a tool used to assess the amount of body fat on a dog or cat, and usually ranges from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese), with a 4-5 representing an ideal body condition. Some scores range from 1 to 5. Compare your dog’s body to images on a body condition score chart, paying careful attention to their waist, abdominal tuck, and ribs.
  • The hand test. Feel your dog’s ribs. They should be easy to feel, like the bones on the back of your hands. If they feel like your knuckles your dog is too thin; if they feel like the fleshy palm of your hand, your dog is likely overweight.
  • Assessing your dog’s mood. Pay attention to your dog’s activity levels. If they’re spending more time on the couch than usual or struggling to breathe as they run or play, they might weigh too much.
  • Evaluating your dog’s muscle mass. Like the body condition score, your vet will also take your dog’s muscle mass into consideration, using a muscle condition score chart. Adequate muscle mass is essential for strength, mobility, and overall quality of life, while muscle loss can be an indicator of an underlying medical condition or malnutrition.

👉 Dogs at an ideal weight have a waist when viewed from above, an abdominal tuck from the side, and their ribs should be easy to feel beneath a thin layer of fat.

8 vet-approved ways to help your dog lose weight

     1. Consult your vet

The first order of business is to speak to your vet. Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can cause weight gain in dogs. Your vet may want to rule out these conditions with a nose-to-tail physical exam and diagnostic testing. Then, they’ll be able to let you know how much your doggie should weigh and help determine the best weight-loss plan for your pup.

     2. Restrict calorie intake

If you want your dog to lose weight, this usually involves putting them on a diet while also restricting snacks and treats. The number of calories your dog should eat depends on their size, age, and activity level. Your dog’s weight loss diet may involve:

Decreasing the amount with their current diet. If your dog only has a little bit of weight to lose, they may be able to continue eating their current diet with a few adjustments. Vets generally recommend decreasing your dog’s caloric intake by around 10% for weight loss. However, if you reduce your dog’s food intake too much, they may not get enough protein or other essential nutrients.

Feeding a prescription weight loss diet. Prescription weight loss diets for dogs are specially formulated foods designed to help overweight or obese dogs lose weight safely and effectively. These diets, such as Hills® Prescription Diet® Metabolic, Royal Canin® Satiety Support Weight Management, and Purina Overweight Management®, generally contain fewer calories, less fat, high fiber, high protein, and all of the essential nutrients that your dog requires.

👉 Try swapping dog treats out for low-calorie treats. Feed snacks like steamed or raw vegetables like green beans, broccoli, baby carrots, and celery. No more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats.

    3. Feed the right amount at the right time

Calorie restriction isn’t the only thing to consider when helping your dog lose weight. You should make sure you’re feeding your dog a complete and balanced WSAVA-compliant diet. (Trusted Source) Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, such as two meals a day for adults and three to four meals a day for puppies. Portion size is based on age and weight. The rule of thumb is to follow the specific instructions on the label of your dog’s food or ask your vet. Always use a measuring cup — no eyeballing or free-feeding.

     4. Encourage exercise and make it fun!

Your dog should get 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day. Exercise can include walks, play, agility, and any activities that increase your pup’s heart rate. Reward your dog for being active. If your dog has a joint disease, they can probably do with a little less low-impact exercise, like swimming and underwater treadmills.

     5. Feed with food puzzles

Food puzzles are a handy way to get your dog to eat slower, which helps them fill up faster and ultimately eat less. We recommend this puzzle to help slow down your dog’s eating speed.

     6. Set goals

Set weekly targets for your dog, checking in on their weight often. Weight loss for pups should be a gradual process. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous.

     7. Get the family involved

Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page about your dog’s diet. That way, nobody will sneak your pup too many treats or table scraps.

     8. Monitor progress

While it’s important to manage your dog’s healthy weight, it’s equally as important to monitor any shifts in their weight to stay on top of their health.

🚨 If your dog starts gaining or losing weight but they’re sticking to the same diet they always have, this may be a sign of an underlying health issue. Sudden weight changes are an indicator that you should take your dog to the vet.

What causes obesity in dogs?

If your dog continues to gain weight, they may become obese. Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excess body fat that can significantly impact your dog’s health and well-being, both in the short and long term. An obese dog has a body condition score of 9 out of 9 or weighs approximately 20% above their ideal body weight. The most common causes of canine obesity include:

• Overfeeding. The most common cause of obesity is simply feeding your dog too much food. For example, free-feeding instead of meal feeding, feeding meals that are too large, or offering too many treats or table scraps.

• Lack of exercise. We’re all familiar with the concept of calories in versus calories out. While it’s not quite that simple, lack of exercise greatly contributes to weight gain.

• Underlying medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s Disease, can cause weight gain along with other clinical signs.

• Genetics. Some breeds are more prone to obesity than others. Additionally, recent studies have shown the POMC gene mutation (Trusted Source) may cause labrador retrievers to gain excessive weight.

• Sex. Sex hormones play a significant role in regulating energy balance, metabolism, and body composition. Spayed and neutered dogs have fewer sex hormones, so they may be more likely to gain weight. If you have concerns about this, it’s best to consult your vet. There are many other benefits to having your dog spayed or neutered.

• Age. If you’re an owner of a sweet senior dog, they’re generally less active than younger dogs. So it’s extra important that you keep an eye on their diet to avoid weight gain.

👉 Unexplained weight gain could be a sign of thyroid disease, which alters a dog’s metabolism.

Some dog breeds are more likely to be overweight

Some dog breeds are more likely to become obese, either because they have lower energy than other dogs or because of other breed characteristics, such as brachycephalics or those lower to the ground. Dogs lower to the ground are more likely to have back and joint problems, restricting their ability to exercise, while brachycephalic breeds may have difficulty breathing while active. These breeds include:

• Cairn terriers
• West Highlands white terriers
• Scottish terriers
• Shetland sheepdogs
• Basset hounds
• Cavalier King Charles spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Beagles
• Cocker spaniels
• Labrador retrievers

The consequences of obesity

By preventing obesity in your dog, their quality of life and life expectancy can increase. The ASPCA shares that excess weight can reduce a pet’s life expectancy by two years. (Trusted Source) That’s because obese dogs can develop a range of health issues that greatly affect their long-term health:

• Diabetes. Obesity can lead to insulin resistance which contributes to canine diabetes.
• Heart disease. When a dog is obese, their heart has to work harder and ultimately may be more prone to heart disease.
• Arthritis. The added weight puts extra pressure on a dog’s bones and joints, worsening existing arthritis or predisposing your dog to joint injuries. If your dog has arthritis due to obesity they may exhibit symptoms like pain and stiffness.
• High blood pressure. Dogs with obesity often have high blood pressure. This can lead to serious problems like congestive heart failure (CHF) down the road.
• Breathing difficulties. Obese dogs are more prone to tracheal collapse. When dogs are overweight, you may notice that they pant more.
• Cancer. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for developing certain forms of cancer. This is because, in obese dogs, their fat cells secrete lesser amounts of adiponectin, (Trusted Source) a substance that helps protect the body against cancer.
• Anesthetic complications. Obese dogs have a higher risk for complications if they need to be put under anesthesia.

By maintaining a healthy weight for your dog, you can help prevent these health issues and ensure they live a longer, happier, and more active life by your side. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and portion control are key to keeping your dog in a healthy condition. And remember, if your dog has some extra pounds to shed, you are not alone. Obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and guidance today.

Frequently asked questions

What if my dog is still begging for food?

If your dog still seems hungry, try feeding them smaller food portions throughout the day to curb their appetite. Or consider a prescription weight loss diet that is higher in fiber to keep them full longer.

What if my dog’s diet doesn’t seem to be working?

If your dog’s diet doesn’t seem to be working there may be another underlying health issue at play. You should speak to your vet if you’re following dog weight-loss tips but still struggling to help your pup lose weight.

How long should overweight dogs be on a diet?

Overweight dogs should be on a diet until they reach their target weight. Your dog’s weight loss should be gradual. Even when your dog reaches their goal weight, you may be able to increase their calorie intake slightly; however, you shouldn’t ditch the new healthy habits you’ve developed with your pup.

How long does it take for a dog to lose weight?

Rapid weight loss can lead to loss of muscle mass as well, so it’s best for your dog to lose weight slowly and steadily. Most dogs can safely lose 0.5 to 2% of their body weight per week. The time it takes your dog to reach their goal weight can also depend on how much weight they have to lose and how quickly they accept the new weight loss plan.

How to make your dog lose weight quickly?

You should focus on slow and steady weight loss by consulting your veterinarian, feeding a prescription weight loss diet or reducing your dog’s calories, and increasing their exercise. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous.