How to tell if your dog is overweight and how to fix it

The Royal Veterinary College has released a new study on dog obesity which has revealed the scale of the overweight epidemic in UK dogs, with 1 in 14 dogs recorded by their vets as being overweight each year. 

Concerningly, these findings may just be the start when it comes to canine obesity, because not every overweight dog will receive veterinary care. Other studies have estimated that nearly 50% of dogs in the UK are classed as overweight or obese! The RVC study of 22,333 dogs also found that certain breeds were especially prone to weight gain.  

These included: 

-Pugs 

-Beagles 

-Golden Retrievers  

-English Springer Spaniels 

-Border Terriers 

How can you tell if your dog is overweight? 

Here are a few simple checks you can do to see if your dog is losing the battle of the bulge. However, if you’re in doubt please consult with your vet. 

• You should be able to see and feel the outline of your dog's ribs without excess fat covering. 
• You should be able to see and feel your dog's waist and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above. 
• Your dog's belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side. 

What is causing weight gain in my dog? 

Neutering 

Changes in sex hormones following neutering are thought to result in behaviour changes, these can include increased appetite and decreased physical activity which can lead to weight gain. Owners should discuss changes to their diet and exercise plans when considering neutering and keep an eye on their dog’s weight thereafter. 

Age 

Dogs between 6 to 9+ years have the highest risk of overweight status. This is often due to the natural slowing down that comes with ageing. With less exercise and reduced mobility, owners often don’t consider that they need to reduce the calories in their dog’s food to counteract this.  

Illness 

Medical conditions can cause weight gain in dogs, these include hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. These conditions often also cause symptoms such as coat changes, low energy and increased thirst. However, most obesity issues stem from calories in vs calories out. Always consult your vet if you feel your pets weight gain may stem from an illness. 

Overfeeding 

Those puppy dog eyes are often the culprit. By feeding treats on top of your dog’s daily calorie allowance, it’s very easy to tip your dog into that over-weight category without even realising. So, remember, if your dog has gained weight, it’s likely they are eating too much or moving too little. 

Health Risks associated with dogs that are overweight: 

Shortened life spans - Liverpool University released a study that looked at 50,000 dogs from across 12 breeds. They found that for many, being overweight meant they lived up to two years less than those at a healthy weight! 

- Reduced quality of life 

- Higher frequencies of some health conditions including arthritis, breathing problems, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer 

- Injury 

Prevention is better than cure 

Obese puppies can become obese in adulthood, so it is important to monitor their weight from a young age. Regularly weighing your dog can help you notice any weight gain. 

Calorific requirements of dogs of the same weight can vary hugely, depending on if they are neutered, how old or how active they are. These should all be taken into consideration when working out how much to feed your four-legged friend. 

Great ways to keep your dog in a healthy shape

Here at Different Dog, we have formulated tasty low-fat recipes to help dogs that are fighting the pounds or need a low-fat diet for their health. Diet food doesn’t need to be bland and tasteless! We use 60% Human graded UK meat with a range of vegetables and fresh fruit in every core recipe. With specially selected superfoods that support their joints, digestion and skin & coat, these recipes will nourish them from the inside out. 

Here are some of our hand cooked low-fat recipes: 

Keep Me Trim Turkey