Introduction
Obesity is one of the most common health issues affecting pets today. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese.[1] This startling statistic shows how big of an issue excess weight has become for our furry friends. Being overweight can seriously impact a dog’s health and quality of life. It puts them at higher risk for diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Despite the health risks, many pet owners struggle to get their overweight dogs to lose weight. If your dog isn’t shedding pounds as expected, don’t lose hope. With some troubleshooting, you can get their weight loss journey back on track.
[1] https://topdoghealth.com/pet-obesity-shocking-statistics-about-the-1-health-threat-to-your-dog/
Reasons a Dog May Not Lose Weight
There are several potential reasons why a dog may struggle to lose weight, even when following a weight loss diet.
One common issue is feeding a low-quality dog food. Cheap dog foods often contain fillers like corn and wheat that are difficult to digest and low in nutrients. This can lead to weight gain without providing proper nutrition. It’s best to feed a high-protein, low-carb diet for weight loss.[1]
Another major factor is lack of exercise. Dogs need regular activity and walks to burn calories and stay in shape. Sedentary dogs are prone to obesity, even if eating healthy amounts of food. Aim for 30-60 minutes of brisk walking per day.[2]
Underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can also impede weight loss. These conditions affect metabolism and hunger, making weight management difficult. Checking for health issues with a vet should be part of any weight loss plan.[3]
Finally, inaccurate measuring of dog food portions can undermine an otherwise good diet. Use a dry cup or scale to precisely measure food, don’t just estimate. Sticking to proper portions is key for weight loss success.
Assessing Your Dog’s Diet
When a dog is not losing weight as expected, one of the first things to look at is their current diet. It’s important to analyze the calories, nutrients, and appropriateness of the food for your dog’s specific breed, age, and activity level.
Use a dog food calculator like the one from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to determine your dog’s caloric needs based on their ideal weight [1]. Compare this to the caloric content of their current food to see if they are getting too many calories.
Also look at the guaranteed analysis on the dog food label [2] to determine if the percentages of protein, fat, and carbohydrates are appropriate. Some dogs may need lower fat or higher protein foods.
Additionally, consider if the food is formulated for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and suited for their breed size (small, medium, large). Feeding guidelines vary between breeds, so consult your veterinarian if unsure.
Increasing Exercise
Exercise is a crucial component of weight loss for dogs. When starting an exercise regimen for an overweight dog, it’s important to begin slowly and gradually increase duration and intensity over time as the dog loses weight and gets in better shape. Some great exercises for overweight dogs include:
- Walking – Start with short 5-10 minute walks around the block 1-2 times per day, gradually increasing distance and duration up to 30-60 minutes 3 times per day once the dog is conditioned. Keep a brisk pace and walk on different terrain when possible.
- Swimming – An excellent low-impact exercise for overweight dogs. Start with 5-10 minutes in the pool or lake, building up to 20-30 minutes sessions as the dog gets fitter. Always supervise dogs when swimming.
- Fetch – Throwing a ball or toy for even short bursts of running and retrieving helps increase an overweight dog’s activity levels. Start with just a few fetches per session and increase frequency.
If an overweight dog is very reluctant to exercise, entice them with tasty treats to get moving. Praise and reward with treats when they complete walks or activities. As they lose weight, getting active will become easier and more enjoyable. Consult with your vet on the ideal exercise program for your dog’s fitness level.
Source: Getting the Overweight Dog in Shape
Ruling Out Medical Issues
Some medical conditions can make it very difficult for dogs to lose weight, even with diet and exercise. Two of the most common are hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease.
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows the metabolism, making it harder for the dog to burn calories. Signs include weight gain without an increase in appetite, lethargy, and hair loss. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test and treated with oral thyroid medication.[1]
Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by too much of the hormone cortisol. This also slows metabolism and causes excess hunger and thirst. Symptoms include rapid weight gain, hair loss, increased panting, and thin skin. Cushing’s is challenging to diagnose definitively but tests may include blood work, urine tests, and imaging. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication or surgery.[2]
Some medications, like steroids, can also increase appetite and slow metabolism. If your dog is on any long-term medications, discuss the side effects with your vet.
Ruling out underlying medical conditions is an important first step before making major diet and exercise changes for an overweight dog. Your vet can help diagnose any issues and make specific treatment recommendations to help your dog start losing weight.
Accurately Measuring Food
One of the most common reasons a dog may not lose weight, even when apparently eating a restricted diet, is inaccurate food measurement. It can be easy to misjudge a “cup” of kibble by sight, leading to overfeeding. According to this source, the most accurate way to measure pet food is by using a digital kitchen scale to weigh portions in grams. This ensures you feed the exact same amount at each mealtime.
It’s also important to account for any additional calories from treats, table scraps, or foods used in training. Even an extra cookie here and there can quickly add up over time. Stick to the measured diet plan from your vet, and count treats as part of your dog’s daily calorie allotment.
Making Adjustments
If your dog is not losing weight as expected on their current diet and exercise plan, it may be time to make some adjustments. There are a few ways you can tweak their regimen to help promote weight loss:
Reducing Calories – One of the main ways to create a calorie deficit for weight loss is to reduce the amount of food. Refer to a dog feeding chart by weight like the one from PetPlate to lower your dog’s daily portions by 10-20%. This should equate to around 10% less calories if lowering commercial dog food amounts. If feeding homemade dog food, recalculate the recipe to reduce calories.
Switching Foods – Sometimes an adjustment in the type of diet may help kickstart weight loss. Consider switching to a weight control dog food made with ingredients that support metabolism and contain lower calories, like Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight. Transition gradually over 7-10 days.
Reassessing Exercise – Increase the frequency, duration or intensity of your dog’s exercise regimen. Add an extra walk each day, go for longer walks, or incorporate more intense activity like running, swimming or hiking on an incline. But start slow if they are not used to lots of exercise.
Be patient and consistent with any adjustments made. Weigh your dog weekly to assess their progress, and make additional tweaks if needed. With the right calorie deficit and exercise plan, you should start seeing weight loss within a few weeks or months.
Being Patient
When helping an overweight dog lose weight, it’s important to be patient. Healthy weight loss takes time. According to the ASPCA, a reasonable goal is for your dog to lose between 1-2% of their body weight per week. For a 50 pound dog, that’s around 1/2 to 1 pound per week.
It can take 3-6 months for an overweight dog to safely reach their target weight. Drastic calorie cuts or rapid weight loss can be dangerous and cause health issues. Take things slow and focus on establishing long-term healthy habits.
To stay motivated, celebrate small milestones like the first few pounds lost. Track your dog’s progress weekly by weighing them at the same time of day. Seeking encouragement from your veterinarian at checkups can also help you and your dog stay on track.
Most importantly, don’t get discouraged by plateaus. Your dog may hit stalls along their weight loss journey. Stick to the diet and exercise plan during these periods. With consistency and patience, the weight will continue to come off.
When to Seek Help
If your dog is not losing weight despite diet changes and increased exercise, it’s time to seek help from your veterinarian. Some signs that it’s time for vet intervention include:
– No weight loss despite strictly following the recommended diet plan for 4-6 weeks (according to https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/fat-dogs-and-dog-obesity-how-to-help-your-dog-lose-weight/)
– Increased appetite or begging for food
– Lethargy, reduced interest in exercise, or difficulty breathing
– Lameness or trouble moving around
– Signs of an underlying illness like vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking or urination
– No change in weight despite severely restricting calories (according to https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/fat-dogs-and-dog-obesity-how-to-help-your-dog-lose-weight/)
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your vet right away. They can do a full health assessment and determine if there is an underlying medical cause for your dog’s weight gain that needs treatment.
Maintaining Weight Loss
Once your dog has reached its target weight, it’s crucial to transition to a maintenance plan to prevent regression. According to VCA Hospitals, after the weight loss period, dogs should be fed enough calories to maintain their new body weight. Continue monitoring your dog’s weight weekly and adjust food amounts if needed. The long-term maintenance diet should have appropriate levels of nutrients and promote satiety.1
To prevent your dog from regaining weight, stick to a consistent feeding schedule and avoid giving extra treats or table scraps. Continue regular weigh-ins and exercise. Portion control is key – don’t free-feed. Consider using toys and puzzles for mental stimulation rather than always giving treats. Keep monitoring your dog’s body condition and adjust the maintenance diet if you notice weight gain. With a thoughtful maintenance plan, your dog can successfully keep the weight off long-term.