In the UK, 65% of dogs are overweight, and with summer hot on our heels, barbecues and picnics will pick back up, and the urge to share a cheat meal with your dog may be strong.
Star of This Morning and grain free dog food brand Barking Heads’ vet, Dr Scott Miller, shares why dogs get overweight and how you can help them.
How to tell if your dog’s out of shape
It is not always obvious when dogs start to gain weight because pet parents may not notice the subtle changes until their pup becomes obese.
One giveaway is a change in body weight; the ideal weight depends on breed, and your vet can advise on this for you. Another sign is a reluctance or refusal to move, whether to go for walks or even to play in the garden. If you get them moving, you may find that they will be slower, exhibit less energy than usual and show increased tiredness.
If you’re unsure whether your dog has gained weight, you can give them a gentle examination at home by feeling your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel them without excess fat between the skin and ribs. You should also be able to see your dog’s waist, which should be visible from a bird’s eye view. Finally, when looking at your dog from the side, their belly should be tucked up. If you are unable to see or feel these things, you should visit your vet for the next steps.
Risks associated with obesity in dogs
When you notice your dog’s weight creeping up, you should take them to the vet as there are risks that can develop from this weight gain; your dog has an increased chance of contracting certain illnesses and conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, degeneration of joints, high blood pressure and anaesthetic complications.
Why do dogs become overweight?
Like humans, it’s not a simple answer, as there can be many factors influencing weight gain outside of overindulgence. Here are the top reasons for obesity in dogs.
Neutering
The Royal Veterinary College found that neutered male dogs have the highest risk of obesity of all dogs, including spayed female dogs.
Age
Studies have shown that dogs between the aged six and upwards are most at risk of obesity. This may be due to a change in diet or lifestyle. Active dogs may slow down in their senior years, but their food intake remains the same, leading them to gain weight because the calories and fat they burn no longer counteract their food intake.
Size
It’s a common misconception that smaller dogs are more prone to obesity, but in reality, size doesn’t matter at all. Small and large breed dogs are equally prone to obesity.
Breed
Pet parents may not realise their pup’s breed can play a part in whether or not their dog will gain weight as it ages. The reason is that some are food-motivated and will eat more than others, and some are working dogs, so they will work up more of an appetite throughout the day and eat more.
These are the top 9 breeds known to be more at risk of obesity:
- Terriers
- Spaniels
- Beagles
- Labrador retrievers
- Golden retrievers
- Bichon Frise
- Border collie
- German shepherds
- Chihuahua
Dogs with lower activity levels are more likely to gain body fat. For example, indoor-only dogs who don’t get the opportunity to exercise as much as their outdoor counterparts are more likely to gain weight as they age.
Underlying health conditions
Like humans, sometimes a dog may be unable to stave off the weight because of an underlying health condition, like hypothyroidism – when a dog’s metabolism is slower than it needs to be – or the medication they’re on. This may be because they feel more tired and therefore cannot exercise as much, or they will maintain the same energy levels but be unable to shift the weight.
