What should I do when my dog is overweight?

Talk to your veterinarian for information and guidance when it comes to your dog’s diet and potential weight-loss plan. Check what the AKC breed standard says about the ideal weight for your breed. If your dog is beyond that range, consult your vet. It’s best to get a professional’s help as you assess your pet’s accurate weight, body condition, and diet, determine if the dog would benefit from a weight-loss plan, and set a target weight to work toward. Keep Your Dog Active Just like humans, exercise is crucial when it comes to helping your overweight dog get healthy. Increasing your dog’s activity helps burn off energy and calories consumed. Regular walks and the chance to run and play in a safe off-leash environment are good forms of exercise for your dog. Limit Treats and Table Scraps Even when our dogs don’t beg, many of us volunteer too many treats and table scraps. Measure and Monitor Once your vet has designed a weight-management plan, you should have a clear idea of how much your dog should eat at each meal. Be vigilant. Don’t free-feed or eyeball how much you scoop out. Instead, use an appropriate measuring device to ensure you’re managing portion control. Stick With It Like human, like pet, consistency is the key.

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. So, remember, if your dog has gained weight, it’s likely they are eating too much or moving too little. Owners should discuss changes to their diet and exercise plans when considering neutering and keep an eye on their dog’s weight thereafter. 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. 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.

If your dog doesn't pass these checks, or if you're in any doubt, consult your vet. They'll be able to give your dog a health check and will recommend a weight reduction programme if they think it's necessary. To help prevent obesity in your pet, make sure they maintain a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise. Obesity can affect all types of pet, it's mainly caused by eating too much or not exercising enough, although some diseases can also cause obesity. If you're concerned about your pet's weight, contact your local vet.

You can help your dog lose weight by measuring and gradually cutting back on portion sizes, getting some exercise, and finding ways to help your dog feel fuller. If you suddenly reduce your dog's rations dramatically, her metabolism might decrease to compensate, and she'll likely be a lot crankier. Cut back portion size gradually, over a few days. Measure Food Portions Use a standard measuring tool to measure the amount you feed your dog. Cut Back on Treats Nutritious meals won't do any good if your dog is munching on junk food or treats all day long. Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of her calorie intake. You can also mix high-fiber, low-calorie food into your dog's regular food. Exercise Your Dog More Just like people, diet and exercise help an obese dog lose weight. If your pup is not exercising every day, try going for extra walks and playing games like fetch together. Begin slowly if she's uncomfortable or gets tired easily, and work up to several sessions of activity every day. If you think your dog is overweight, start with a visit to the vet.

If you suspect your dog may be overweight, it's time to schedule a checkup with your primary vet, who will weigh your pup, perform a thorough examination to gain insight into your canine companion's overall health, and let you know if your dog is overweight based on their build and breed. Because weight gain can point to a serious underlying illness, a trip to the vet is definitely in order if you think your dog is overweight. If your veterinarian determines that your pup is overweight and no underlying illnesses are causing the weight gain, they can recommend a diet and exercise plan to help get your pooch's weight back under control safely. Regular Exercise Maintain a regular exercise schedule for your dog, including going for walks twice a day and playing outside once a day. Your vet will be able to calculate just the right number of calories to feed your dog at each meal, and prescribe a low-calorie diet food to help your pup reach a healthier weight. Be sure your dog eats at the same time every day, and that you measure out the portions carefully based on the ideal weight for their breed (or size). If your dog begins following a weight loss plan, visit your vet for follow-up appointments so that your pet's progress can be monitored and dietary adjustments made if necessary.