How to Prevent Obesity in Dogs

Dog obesity is a large problem. During the year 2018, 56% of dogs in the United States were considered to be either overweight or obese. [1] This is not just a problem for how your dog looks, it can also cause serious health issues for them. Dog obesity can cause an increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers, joint disease, lung disease, and high blood pressure. Even if your dog isn't sick, their weight can also cause a decrease in their quality of life, potentially causing them to be unable to groom themselves or be mobile enough to play. [2] This is preventable and you can use food and exercise to help reduce the risk or alleviate obesity.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Exercising Your Dog

  1. Your dog gains weight because they eat more calories than they burn. To combat this, your dog needs to exercise daily. The amount they needs to exercise every day will vary slightly based on their size, age, and breed, but around 30 minutes a day is a good place to start. Some experts recommend up to an hour of activity every day.
    • If your dog is already overweight, look into instituting an exercise plan with a little more walking or running each day to increase the amount of calories burned.
    • If your dog is overly energetic, you may need to exercise them longer in order to wear them out.
  2. If you take your dog walking or running everyday, you need to make sure they have the right equipment. Buy a harness or collar that fits them nicely, but also one that can hold them. Larger dogs, hyper dogs, or dogs who like to run after things may work better with a harness because these are harder to slip out from.
    • If you live in a place where it gets really cold, you may need to buy them protective boots to protect their paws when it's frozen outside. Your dog may also need a sweater or jacket in these conditions as well.
    • During the summer or on long walks, always bring water and a small bowl so they don't get dehydrated.
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  3. In general, exercise doesn't strictly have to be walking or running your dog. This is a great way for them to get exercise, but you can also vary the activities so they don't get bored. Variation benefits your dog not only by helping them lose weight, but also because it decreases boredom, a common factor that makes dogs overeat.
    • If you have an energetic dog, find fun things to wear them out, such as throwing a ball with a friend or roommate so that they has to run between both of you.
    • You can also have them swim, play fetch with a stick, buy moving toys for them to catch, or take them to a dog park where they can play with other dogs.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Changing Food Habits

  1. When you first get your pet, you should not overfeed them. A large puppy is more likely to grow into an overweight adult dog. Being overweight as a puppy can also decrease their lifespan. Feed your puppy enough so that you can feel their ribs but they aren’t visible. [3]
  2. Most dog foods have suggested food amounts on the back of the can or bag. There is typically a range to follow, so match your dog accordingly to the suggestions. If your dog is on the lower end of the range, feed them on the lower end. The same is true if your dog is on the larger end of the range.
    • Once you determine what is right for your dog, make sure you carefully measure the right amount during each meal. You can do this easily with a measuring cup.
    • Most dogs are always hungry, so don't gauge how much you feed them on how much they want to eat. [4]
    • Small dogs (10 lbs and under) usually need between 200-275 calories a day. Medium dogs (in the 20 lb range) usually need between 325-400 calories a day. Larger dogs (in the 50 lb range) usually need between 700-900 calories a day. This will vary depending on your dog's age, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions, so ask your vet if you aren't sure. [5]
  3. Every few weeks, assess how your dog is responding to the food. If they seem unhappy with it or look as if they is gaining weight, you may need to change their food. You can start by reducing the amount by 5 or 10%, which can reduce the number of calories consumed per day.
    • You can also look for food with fewer calories in it. The dog food bag or can will generally have calorie intake on the back or available online, so check to see what the calorie intake is per serving.
  4. There are certain situations where the type of food can actually cause your dog to gain weight if they lead the wrong kind of lifestyle. If your dog is not very active outside of your daily exercise sessions, they may need lower calorie food with more fiber.
    • This kind of food is more filling, which will help them eat less.
    • If your dog is more active, normal calorie food will be fine.
    • If your dog has medical conditions, such as arthritis, they will probably not be as active and should eat less to compensate.
  5. If you leave a food bowl down all the time, your dog may overeat. This can cause them to become overweight. Some dogs do not know when to stop, so they will eat even if they are not hungry. [6]
    • Stick to structured mealtimes, which will contain your dog's daily calorie intake. You can spread what they eat in a day over two or three meals, but don't leave dry food out all the time.
  6. Although you may want to reward your dog with treats, treats can actually harm their health. This is especially true if you feed them treats excessively. These treats are extra calories your dog eats, so if you want to feed them more treats, reduce their meal size a little to compensate for the calories.
    • You can also save a portion of your dog's regular food and use it as a treat instead. You can feed it to them in the same manner you would treats, which makes them think it is a special occasion.
  7. There are things you can give your dog as treats that double as chew toys. Raw baby carrots, broccoli, and celery are good for dogs, provide a satisfying crunch, and are something extra for them to chew on. They are also good for them and low in calories.
    • Although raw veggies are good for dogs, avoid giving your dog food from your table. Oils and seasonings aren't good for dogs and may have hidden calories that make them gain weight.
    • You can also use attention and playtime as treats instead. Often dogs get the same, if not more, enjoyment out of spending more time with you. [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Deciding If Your Pet is Overweight

  1. One of the first steps to preventing obesity in your dog is to know what is considered a healthy weight for them. If you have a purebred or pedigreed dog, you can look for the recommended weight chart for that breed online. Weigh your dog on a scale and compare this to the chart.
    • There are also online calculators you can use to determine what is recommended for your dog, which uses breed, age, and overall look of your dog. [8]
    • You can download a "Dog Size-O-Meter" from the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association to help you identify whether your dog is obese. [9]
    • There are some variations in relation to body size, so you can ask your veterinarian to make sure.
  2. Another way to figure out if your dog is overweight is called body scoring. This system assesses the amount of body fat covering your dog's body. The benefit is that it helps you assess your particular dog instead of trying to fit them into a generic ranking system. The score ranges from zero to five (sometimes nine). The ideal body score is three (or five). [10]
    • The healthy way your dog's body should feel is where the dog’s hip bones, backbone, and ribs can be easily felt when you push with light pressure, but these bones should not be easily seen under the skin. [11]
    • If you have to press firmly with your hands to feel your dog's ribs, they're overweight. They are also overweight if there is no upward tuck in their stomach area.
  3. To ensure that your dog does not become overweight, you need to check their body score often. Check their general body shape once every two weeks to once a month. This is far enough apart that you will notice any weight gain and can see a change if present.
    • If you notice an increase in weight, assess what you've been feeding them over the past few weeks. Write it down and lessen the amount. [12]
  4. If you have any questions about your dog's weight, you can always go see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to weigh your dog and let you know if they are at a healthy weight.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I reward my overweight dog?
    Beatrice Tavakoli
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Beatrice Tavakoli is a Professional Dog Trainer and the Founder/Owner of TAKA Dog Walk in New Jersey. A lifetime dog lover and enthusiast, Beatrice is committed to providing animals with hands-on service dedicated to daily love, adventure, and socialization. As insured and bonded dog walkers, Beatrice, and her staff provide a multitude of services including doggie social hour, day hikes, training, puppy care, canine special events, in-home pet care, boarding, cat care, and customized dog walks.
    Beatrice Tavakoli
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Try breaking dog treats into pieces so you can reward them while still limiting their calories.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://petobesityprevention.org/
      2. ↑ http://www.petobesityprevention.org/
      3. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=692
      4. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=692
      5. ↑ http://www.petobesityprevention.org/pet-caloric-needs/
      6. ↑ Beatrice Tavakoli. Professional Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 26 February 2021.
      7. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=692
      8. ↑ http://www.petmd.com/healthyweight
      9. ↑ http://www.pfma.org.uk/pet-size-o-meter/
      1. ↑ http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/obesity
      2. ↑ http://www.morgantownamc.com/dog-bcs.pml
      3. ↑ http://www.morgantownamc.com/dog-bcs.pml

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