Is Your Dog Overweight? How to Keep Them Active
It's incredibly easy to spoil your fluffy friend with extra treats and less exercise, especially during the colder months. Yet, the undesirable side effect is often an unwanted weight gain.
While being a little chubby may seem cute, statistics show that, when unobserved, it is actually becoming a big problem for dogs: approximately 30-40% of dogs worldwide are affected by obesity.
Sometimes, you might not even realize the extent of the problem until your veterinarian points it out: "Your pup needs to lose a few pounds."
When you reach this point, you might find it challenging to find the right walking gear that fits comfortably and encourages more exercise. Many harnesses and collars just aren’t designed with larger dogs in mind, making it difficult to get the right fit. Straps don't meet, clasps won't close, and you're left feeling frustrated.
This article will help you recognize if your dog is carrying extra weight and provide practical tips to keep them active and healthy.
Studies Show: Canine Obesity Is a Big Problem
A study from Ollie highlights a disconnect between people’s perceptions and the actual health status of their pets. The study reveals:
- 53% of respondents recognize their dog’s weight has a significant impact on their health.
- While 60% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese, 3 in 5 owners seem to be adamant they’re the perfect weight.
That’s how empathy can actually ruin things: many of us don’t even realize our pets are getting overweight. Meanwhile, there are common cases where dogs’ health and body condition does need attention.
In North America and Canada, canine obesity is a major concern, with 50% to 60% of pets (canine and feline alike) are overweight due to overfeeding.
One of the reasons is that as many as 40% of dog owners feed their dogs based on “common sense” rather than what science has to tell. At the same time, 94% of pet owners with overweight pets are totally unprepared to go through a weight-loss program for their animals.
Lack of awareness about their pet’s weight can prevent essential diet and exercise adjustments, which significantly impacts the overall health and lifespan of their pets.
💡A dog’s lifespan can decrease by 2 years when moderately overweight.
Which means, as much as the pooch may hate them, vet visits, coupled with staying active and some background knowledge are essential for healthier and happier lives for dogs.
How Much Should My Dog Weigh?
Determining the right weight for your dog depends on things like breed, age, and how active they are.
Each breed of dog has an expected weight range. Dogs that are older or less active may be over or under the expected weight range. According to the American Kennel Club, the smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas weigh approximately 2-6 pounds. Those on the middle part of the spectrum, like Beagles and Cocker Spaniels, are generally supposed to weigh between 20-30 pounds. The big boys and girls like Golden Retrievers are typically somewhere within the 55-75 pound range.
There’s a simple check you can perform at home to see if your dog is a bit too “chunky”: gently feel their ribs without pressing hard. You should be able to feel each rib distinctly under a thin layer of fat, but they shouldn't be protruding visibly.
Additionally, when you look at your dog from above, there should be a gradual tapering at the waist just behind the ribs. From the side, you should notice an abdominal tuck – an upward slant from the end of the ribs to the hind legs.
If you’re unsure, there’s always the vet to go to. Specialists can take into account your dog's overall health, lifestyle, and any specific conditions that could be identified. In fact, it’s even better to consult a veterinarian since they can use their experience to offer personalized advice on how to maintain or achieve a healthy weight. This may include very different aspects, from diet to exercise and beyond.
Use a Body Condition Scoring Chart
There’s a helpful and commonly recognized resource for checking called Body Condition Scoring, BCS, Chart if you need to double-check. The BCS chart helps pet owners and veterinarians evaluate a dog's body fat and assign a score ranging from 1 to 9, where:
- 1-3: Underweight
- 4-5: Ideal Weight
- 6-9: Overweight
The rule of the thumb is, if you can see the ribs, your dog is likely underweight, with a score ranging from 1 to 3.
If you don’t see the ribs but can feel them without applying finger pressure, your dog is likely at an ideal weight, scoring between 4 and 5. But if you mostly feel the fat, and ribs are hard to palpate, your dog might be overweight, with a score between 6 and 9.
Next, view your dog from above and look for a waistline that tucks in behind the ribs. Then look at your dog from the side and watch to see if the stomach goes up behind the ribs. If you can see there is no waistline, or the ribs are hard to touch, your dog may be overweight.
Signs of an Overweight Dog
To get a more accurate result, you can also include other observable signs that may indicate obesity in your dog. Your dog may have moderate weight problems when it:
- Gets tired quickly, even with light activity.
- Has trouble moving around, like going up stairs or running.
- Breathes heavily or pants a lot after minimal effort.
- Often has digestive troubles, such as constipation or gas.
- Coat looks dull, or the skin seems dry and irritated.
- Small fatty bumps appear under the skin.
- Vet often points out health concerns like diabetes or heart issues.
If you see any of these signs in your dog, it's time to have a nutritional consultation with your veterinarian. A veterinarian can determine the reason behind weight gain in your dog and suggest a proper weight loss program that fits your dog and is truly effective.
How to Help an Overweight Dog
Now, if you recognize that your dog might have the same problem, it’s time to help an overweight dog to achieve a healthy weight. These are the tips you can follow to support your furry friend on their journey to better health:
Consult your veterinarian
Professionals have knowledge about canine health and nutrition that you might not (and don’t need to) have. First, they'll do a thorough check-up to make sure there's no underlying health issue causing the weight gain. Sometimes, problems like thyroid issues can lead to excess weight.
A vet can determine your dog's ideal weight based on their breed, age, and body structure, which is the “reasonably safe mean value” to aim for. Then, they'll design a custom diet: its whole point is balancing nutrients for healthy weight loss (since simply giving the dog smaller portions will not do the trick). A professionally designed plan also includes advice on safe exercise routines suited to your dog's current condition, which might involve low-impact activities if needed. Finally, the vet can offer strategies to manage treat-begging, suggesting healthier alternatives without upsetting the dog.
Balance nutrition
Focus on providing a well-rounded diet with the right mix of proteins, carbs, and fats. This keeps your dog healthy while losing weight. Only remember that any sudden dietary changes can upset your dog's stomach, so any modifications should be gradual and it is better to consult the vet, who can suggest the best food choices.
Measure
Portion control is key to weight loss yet guessing the correct amounts of potions can be quite overwhelming for pet owners. Follow your vet's recommendations for serving sizes, and use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to portion your dog's food accurately. Measure each meal consistently, including treats, and be sure your dog gets the right amount of calories daily (even if the dog objects to it).
Choose the right food
Choose high-quality low-calorie dog foods formulated for weight management. Such foods are generally rich in protein and fiber, in addition to filling up your dog, and contain fewer calories. Avoid foods with excessive fillers or high fat content.
Cut back on treats and table scraps
Giving a dog a bit of our dinner or a few extra treats isn’t as harmless as we may think since human food is often too high in calories and fat for dogs. Accordingly, a good rule is to keep treats to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. You can also consider using small pieces of carrots or green beans as healthy, low-calorie treat alternatives.
Use puzzle feeders
When your dog eats more slowly, it may feel full with less food. A nice tactic exists in the form of puzzle feeders that are currently a fad among pet owners. These special bowls or toys can make your dog work to get their food and slow down eating, which can help with weight loss. These feeders also provide mental stimulation, keeping your dog active and engaged during mealtime.
Monitor progress
Make a habit of weighing your dog once a week or so, using the same scale and at the same time of day (in relation to the meals). Since fat is distributed differently across breeds, a tape measure around the chest, waist, and neck is also useful, as are weekly photos from different angles. Another aspect to keep an eye on is behavior: energy levels, breathing, mobility, and so on.
Stay consistent
As already hinted at in the previous paragraph, being consistent is key, and not just about meal times: exercise routines are just as important. Try not to skip walks, as busy as your day may be, since it’s important to maintain momentum in your dog’s weight management plan. Plus, a routine allows your dog to adjust to the changes and not think it’s just their human being “mean” to them for some reason.
Stay active
It may be hard to imagine a dog doing an exercise routine like humans do, but you’re there to help them organize it. Walking, running, playing fetch, swimming when possible – at least 30 minutes a day can do wonders, but of course, you know your pet better than anyone, and can tailor the intensity and duration to the dog’s fitness level and breed.
If your dog is new to exercise or has health issues, start with shorter, gentler sessions and gradually increase the activity level. Always consult your vet before beginning a new exercise regimen to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your dog.
Use appropriate gear during walks
For the safety of your overweight dog, it's important to use and carry the appropriate gear during walks. In an interview for PetMD, Dr. Kelly Ryan, director of veterinary services at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America highlights that regular collars can place excessive pressure on a dog's trachea, particularly if the dog is prone to pulling.
What Dr. Ryan also suggests is switching to a walking harness instead of a simple collar. Thing is, a harness spreads the pressure across your dog's chest and shoulders, instead of focusing it on the neck. This helps prevent choking and makes it easier for your dog to breathe, which is important for overweight dogs that might already have breathing issues.
Harnesses also give you better control during walks, making it easier to guide your dog and discourage pulling.
A significant plus is that some harnesses are adjustable to fit a wide range of dog sizes, allowing you to get a perfect fit for your dog regardless of their current body weight.
KOSTON’s Adjustable Collars and Harnesses for Variety of Dog Sizes
No matter what the current size of your pal is, KOSTON is ready to stay with you on your way to healthy weight. Our excellent collection of pet collars and harnesses is designed to provide comfort and excellent control during walks and other time you spend together.
KOSTON’s adjustable collars and harnesses fit dogs of various sizes, and various body types. These collars and harnesses can be adjusted at multiple points, ensuring a perfect fit whether your pet grows or gets thinner. Secure fastenings keep your dog safe during walks, and the ergonomic design evenly distributes pressure to reduce strain on your dog's body.
All products are crafted from vegan leather, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly option that does not compromise on durability.
Visit our website, and explore a wide range of products that foster your furry friend to stay active, such as leashes, collars, toys and other accessories.