There is an obesity epidemic among the canine world. Around 50 percent of dogs in the US and UK and 40 percent in Australia are clinically obese. These are shocking statistics and they appear to be mirroring the human race.

These days we're all better informed of the detrimental consequences to our health of becoming overweight. And it's no different for dogs. For your dog to remain in peak condition throughout his life, it's important he maintains a healthy weight.

Find out the effects on your dog if he's overweight, what might have made him that way, how to tell if your dog's overweight and what to do about it if he is.



How to keep your dog a healthy weight 

There is an obesity epidemic among the canine world. Around 50 percent of dogs in the US and UK and 40 percent in Australia are clinically obese. These are shocking statistics and appear to be mirroring the human race. We're all better informed nowadays of the detrimental consequences to our health in becoming overweight. And it's no different for dogs.

For your dog to remain in peak condition throughout his life, it's important he maintains a healthy weight. what might have made him that way, how to tell if your dog's overweight and what to do about it if he is.

Effects of being overweight 

When dogs gain too much weight, their health and happiness can be seriously affected. Not only does their quality of life suffer, they are storing up potential problems that could eventually shorten their life. An overweight dog becomes less mobile and is therefore less able to run around and burn off the calories. The extra weight puts a strain on their joints and can lead to them suffering from arthritis when they're older. In addition to this, they're more likely to suffer the effects of other obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and cancer.

Causes of being overweight 

Dogs tend to become overweight for the same reasons as humans. While they may not be spending hours at the computer screen or watching TV, they can put on weight by eating too much or the wrong type of food and by getting too little exercise.

Dog owners often like to give their dogs treats by offering bits of their own food such as cakes or pizza. Just as these unhealthy foods can cause us to gain weight, so too, does it put extra pounds on dogs. In some cases weight gain is down to genetics.

Breeds such as Labradors love to eat as much as they can as fast as possible and can quickly become fat. Sometimes it’s due to disease or any medication they might be taking. Whatever the reason, it’s important to help them return to a healthy weight. 

How to maintain a healthy weight 

Dogs are sometimes like garbage trucks and will gobble up anything they find lying around. Take care not to leave scraps of food lying around on plates or tables that they can easily find. Also, only feed them in their own bowls and give them the right amount of food for their breed and age. Once they've finished, don't be tempted to put more down as dogs will often happily carry on eating even though they've had their fill.

 Dogs need to be exercised daily and that means going out for walks or a run around a park. Obviously larger breeds need more exercise than their toy counterparts, but being cooped up inside all day isn’t going to help them keep their muscles strong and healthy or burn off enough energy. 

How to tell if your dog is overweight 

You can tell if your dog is overweight by looking at him from above where you should see a well-defined waist with a slight dip inwards between the end of his rib cage and his hips. You'll also be able to clearly feel his ribs with a slight covering of flesh. There should be no rolls of fat unless it's indicative of their breed.

If you're worried about your dog's weight, it's advisable to take him along to the vet where they can weigh him to see if he is overweight and find out whether there is an underlying cause. If it's simply a result of poor eating habits, your vet can advise you of a sensible diet and exercise regime to help your dog lose weight. 

Maintaining a healthy weight is just as important for your dog as it is for you. By making sure they eat a nutritionally balanced diet, avoid treats and get plenty of exercise, you can help your dog avoid many obesity-related diseases and enjoy a long and healthy life.