If you're like most people, you can probably think of a handful of beloved dogs in your life who are overweight or obese. Perhaps your own dog is starting to gain excess weight. While dogs of all shapes and sizes are adorable and easy to love, part of caring for your pet is protecting their well-being to the best of your ability. And unfortunately, overweight and obese dogs are at higher risk of health issues and decreased quality of life.
Defining Dog Obesity
Obesity is the result of excess energy, otherwise known as calories, stored as fat. Unsure what qualifies a dog as obese versus overweight? The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention defines obesity in dogs as 30% over ideal body weight. Obesity is considered a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to several related health conditions and shortened lifespan.
If your dog is over their ideal weight, you're not alone. A pet survey evaluating the prevalence of this health issue found that approximately 60% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
Causes of Canine Obesity
Dogs of any sex, age or breed can become obese. However, certain factors put your dog at higher risk. Risk factors for obesity include:
Breed: E.g., Labrador retrievers, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, pugs and basset hounds
Age: Older dogs are at higher risk
Reproductive status: Neutered or spayed pets
Nutrition: Free feeding, homemade foods and overfeeding
Certain health conditions can also result in obesity, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.
Dog Obesity-Related Illness and Disease
Obesity in dogs is linked to systemic illness and disease and decreased quality of life. Associated conditions include:
Cardiac disease
Joint disease
Ligament rupture
Diabetes
Poor circulation
Poor healing from common illness and/or injury
Pancreatic disease
Cancer
Skin disease
Immune system disease
Increased susceptibility to heat stroke
Increased risk for adverse anesthetic risk
Reproductive challenges
High blood pressure
High fat levels in blood (hyperlipidemia)
Respiratory disease
Tasty Tips
Is My Dog Overweight? Know the Signs of Obesity
The first step to reducing your dog's risk of these illnesses is understanding their ideal body condition and how your pup compares. Because dogs vary in size, even within the same breed, it's ill-advised (and even dangerous) to follow a blind weight range based on breed or sex. Body condition scoring is the preferred and safer way to gauge whether your dog is an appropriate weight.
Body Condition Scoring
Body condition scoring is a quantitative tool veterinarians use to assess body fat. While you don't need advanced training in this scale, recognizing the signs of an overweight dog isn't as simple as eyeballing it. Instead, you'll need to carefully examine a few parts of your dog's body.
1. Ribs and Spine
You should be able to easily feel your dog's ribs when lightly running your fingers along their side and their spine when passing your hands over the top of their back. While a thin layer of fat is healthy, you shouldn't have to press hard to feel them.
If you can't feel your dog's ribs or spine due to increased fat, they're likely overweight or obese.
2. Hips
Your dog's hip bones should be easy to feel and see (provided their fur doesn't block your view).
If your dog's hips aren't visible or you can't feel them when lightly touching the area, your pup may be overweight or obese.
3. Abdomen/Waist
Standing over your dog and looking at them from above, you should see a slight tuck behind the ribs (their waist). From the side view, you should see an upward slope from the bottom of their abdomen to the groin.
From above, an absent or rounded waist indicates obesity. From the side view, a sagging abdomen indicates excess abdominal fat consistent with obesity.
Other Signs of Obesity in Dogs
Obesity in dogs can lead to certain behaviors along with physical signs, including:
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty or reluctance to move, such as up the stairs
Exercise intolerance
Fecal and urinary incontinence
Lethargy
Increased sleep
Pet Parent Bias
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it turns out, this adage holds true with our beloved canine companions. Pet parents frequently normalize their dog's body condition, which means they often underestimate their overweight dog's shape and downplay harmful extra pounds.
This bias highlights how critical regular veterinary visits are in ensuring an accurate picture of your dog's weight and health goals. Sometimes, you can be too close to the problem to see it clearly.
Preventing Obesity in Dogs
Every dog is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all nutrition and exercise plan to prevent obesity in your dog. To support a healthy life, work with your vet from puppyhood through the senior years to determine what a complete and balanced food, ideal weight and activity level look like for your dog. Remember that, like nutrition, your dog's activity requirements may change depending on life stage. Go easy on the treats, too: Your dog's daily treat intake should comprise no more than 10% low-calorie treats.
Regularly monitoring your dog's weight and body condition score at home can pay off. Should you suspect your dog is overweight or obese, your veterinarian can customize a weight loss plan and rule out any underlying disease that could contribute to weight gain. Losing weight at a slow, steady pace is critical for your dog's health and longevity.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Related articles
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: A Guide for Senior Training
Is teaching an old dog new tricks really impossible? Discover the truth about this cliche and learn tips for successfully training your senior dog.
Are Dogs Really Color Blind?
Are you wondering if dogs really are color blind? Get the scoop on which colors your dog can actually see and which ones should catch his attention.
Puppy Supplies You Really Need
Gather the following puppy supplies to prepare your family for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a dog parent.
Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?
Learn the most common reasons your dog might be losing hair, including how to spot differences between ordinary shedding and a parasitic problem.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? (and Is It Safe?)
Learn the facts about whether broccoli is good for your dog, including any health & safety concerns, portion information, preparation tips and more.
Tips for Socializing an Older Dog
Socializing an older dog is usually more challenging than socializing a puppy. Learn how to overcome the challenges to safely socialize an adult dog.
Managing Your Dog's Farts & Gas Problems
Learn the underlying causes behind excessive dog farting, signs that gas problems may be a larger health concern, and how to help manage these issues.
Why Do Female Dogs Hump Things?
Why do female dogs hump things? Learn the reasons behind this curious behavior and ways you can help curb her mounting habits.
Why Is My Dog Afraid of the Dark?
Discover common reasons why your dog seems afraid of the dark, including things like separation anxiety & traumas, and how to help reduce their fears.
Walking Big Dogs Safely: Tips and Tricks from Dog Experts
Learn expert tips on the best ways to walk your large breed dog, including training suggestions, which equipment works best, and how to walk multiple dogs.
Choosing the Right Food For Your Small Dog's Life Stages
Hill's Science Diet Small & Toy Breed dog foods are designed to meet the nutritional needs for your small dog at every life stage. Learn more here.
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Choking Dog
Learn what to do if your dog starts choking, including how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog, and how to prevent choking hazards in the future.
What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You
Words may be important for humans to communicate, but canines communicate by dog body language and sounds. Learn how to figure out your pup's signals.
Registering Your Dog as a Therapy Dog
Learn about therapy dogs, the training that therapy dogs go through, and what you need to do to register your pup with a therapy dog organization.
Why Does My Dog Look So Sad?
Why does my dog look so sad? Your pooch might just be looking for your love & attention. Discover other potential reasons for your dog's sad puppy eyes.
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment & Prevention
Learn important information about lyme disease in dogs, including symptoms, testing procedures, treatment options and how to prevent this disease.
Treating Your Dog with and without Food
Learn how to treat your dog without compromising its health. Get tips on how to spoil your pup without too much snacking on dog treats.
Why Do Dogs Chase Squirrels?
Learn why chasing squirrels has long been a favorite activity for many dogs, which breeds usually chase the most, and if they can be trained not to chase.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween
Keep your dog healthy this Halloween by following these safety tips. Taking the necessary precautions will keep your dog from harm.
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
Discover fun and engaging games and other ways to help your dog exercise, keeping him happy and healthy.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.