The Dog Obesity Epidemic: Are Big Bones or Fat Rolls to Blame?
Pet obesity has reached epidemic levels in the U.S. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs are considered overweight or obese. This puts dogs at risk for serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. So how do you know if your pooch is just big boned or carrying too much fat? This article will cover the signs of obesity, dangers of being overweight, ideal weight ranges, and tips for helping a dog lose weight. You’ll learn how to tell if your dog’s body condition is healthy or if you need to consult your vet about a weight loss plan.
Signs Your Dog May Be Overweight
One of the best ways to tell if your dog is overweight is by using the rib/waist test. Place your hands on your dog’s sides with your thumbs on its backbone and your fingers underneath along the ribcage. You should ideally be able to easily feel, but not see, the ribs without excess fat covering them. You should also be able to feel a tuck or waistline behind the ribs when viewed from above or the side.
Veterinarians may also use a body condition score system to evaluate if a dog is overweight. This ranks body composition on a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 5 considered ideal. Dogs with scores of 6 or higher are considered overweight or obese. As the score increases, the dog’s waistline becomes less visible and it becomes harder to feel the ribs under a layer of fat.
Mobility issues like lagging behind on walks, panting easily, or being reluctant to go up stairs can also be signs your dog is carrying excess weight. The extra pounds put additional stress on joints and makes movement more difficult. An overweight dog may also have trouble getting up from a lying position.
Dangers of Obesity in Dogs
Being overweight or obese puts dogs at risk for many serious health issues that can shorten their lifespan. According to the AKC, the majority of dogs in the U.S.—56%—are overweight or obese, making this a major health crisis for our canine companions.
Some of the most concerning conditions linked to canine obesity include:
- Diabetes – Obese dogs are more likely to develop diabetes mellitus. Excess fat can cause insulin resistance, impairing your dog’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels properly. Diabetic dogs require daily insulin injections and close monitoring.
- Arthritis – Extra weight puts more strain on joints and can accelerate arthritis. Overweight dogs may experience lameness, stiffness, and difficulty standing up or going up stairs. Keeping your dog trim can help prevent or reduce arthritis pain.
- Heart disease – Obesity stresses the heart and circulatory system. Overweight dogs are prone to heart failure, high blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.
- Shortened lifespan – On average, obese dogs live 1-3 years less than dogs fed a healthy weight. The illnesses and mobility issues caused by obesity result in a lower quality of life and reduced longevity.
By keeping your dog at a healthy weight, you can help prevent these serious diseases and potentially extend your pet’s life. Monitoring your dog’s diet and exercise is the best way to avoid hazardous obesity.
Ideal Weight for Your Breed
A dog’s ideal weight will depend on their particular breed and size. Larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers typically weigh 55-80 pounds for males and 45-70 pounds for females, according to the AKC breed weight chart.
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers usually weigh under 10 pounds. Toy breeds like Pomeranians often weigh between 4-8 pounds.
When determining if your dog is at a healthy weight, it’s important to also consider their body condition score and frame size. A dog with a larger frame can weigh more within their ideal range. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about your dog’s ideal weight range.
While there are general weight ranges for breeds, individual dogs can vary based on gender, age, muscle tone, and bone structure. Tracking your own dog’s weight over time and noting any changes is a good way to monitor their health and catch weight issues early.
Big Boned vs Fat
Many pet owners claim their dogs are just “big boned” when in fact the dog is overweight or obese. So what’s the difference between a big boned dog and one carrying excess fat?
Big boned refers to a dog’s skeletal structure and density of bones, not the amount of fat on the body. Certain large and giant breeds like Mastiffs, Great Danes, and St. Bernards tend to have denser bones and more substantial frames. However, their ribs and waist should still be visible beneath a moderate layer of flesh when at a healthy weight.
Excess fat on a dog obscures the view of bones that should be visible. Fat deposits around the ribs, spine, tail, and base of the neck are clear signs a dog is overweight, not just big boned. Additionally, an overweight dog will lack a waistline tuck and defined chest. The ribs, spine, and pelvis bones will be difficult to feel through thick fat covering them (Source).
To determine if your dog is overweight or just big boned, run your hands over the sides, down the spine, and around the neck and chest to feel for excess fat covering the bones. Check that your dog has a visible waistline tuck. And consult your vet to determine the ideal weight range for your breed. Big boned or not, keeping your dog fit and trim will support better health.
Nutrition for Weight Loss
Portion control is key when helping an overweight dog lose weight. Feeding your dog too much, even if it’s healthy food, can lead to obesity. Work with your veterinarian to calculate the ideal daily caloric intake for weight loss based on your dog’s ideal weight, activity level, and metabolism. Food intake should be decreased by 10-20% initially for gradual weight loss of 1-2% per week.
Feed 2-3 measured meals per day rather than free feeding, and avoid unhealthy treats and table scraps. Choose a high-quality low calorie dog food formulated for weight management, which is nutrient dense and contains more protein and fiber to promote satiety. Prescription diets like Hill’s Metabolic, Royal Canin Satiety, or Purina OM can help facilitate safe weight loss.
Work with your vet on an individualized meal plan to help your dog reach a healthy weight.
Exercise for Weight Loss
Exercise is crucial for helping overweight dogs lose weight. However, it’s important not to overdo it if your dog is obese. As the AKC advises, “For an obese dog, it’s best to start out slow and increase exercise gently over time once they start losing weight. However, be sure you aren’t overexerting your dog to the point of pain or exhaustion” (AKC).
There are several great exercise options for dogs:
- Walks – Start with short, 10-15 minute walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Walking helps burn calories without high-impact activity that could hurt joints.
- Swimming – This low-impact exercise lets dogs burn calories and build muscle without stress on joints. Start with short swims.
- Fetch – Playing fetch is a great way to incorporate short bursts of intense activity between slower walking or swimming.
The key is tailoring the exercise regimen to your dog’s current fitness level. Consult your vet if unsure what’s appropriate. With time and weight loss, dogs can build up to longer or more intense exercise.
Weight Loss Tips
Before starting any weight loss regimen for your dog, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your vet can also help establish healthy weight loss goals and a timeline for your dog.
When starting a weight loss plan, remember to take it slow and be consistent. Crash dieting and extreme calorie restriction can be dangerous for dogs. Aim for gradual, steady weight loss of no more than 2-3% of your dog’s body weight per week.
Feeding 75-90% of your dog’s current calorie intake can help your dog shed excess fat at a safe rate. Your vet can calculate the exact calorie needs for weight loss. Stick to this reduced calorie plan consistently, measuring out portions carefully.
Increase exercise gradually, being careful not to overdo it and risk injury. Regular, moderate walks, play time, or swimming can help burn calories without being too strenuous.
Weigh your dog weekly to monitor progress. Adjust the diet as needed if weight loss is too rapid or too slow. With vet approval and a consistent, patient approach, your dog can safely return to a healthy weight.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
After successfully helping your dog lose weight, the next challenge is keeping the weight off. Here are some tips for maintaining your dog’s ideal weight:
Regular weighing – Continue to weigh your dog at least once per month. This allows you to catch any gains before they become excessive [1].
Don’t overfeed treats – Stick to low-calorie treats like baby carrots and only give a few per day. Overfeeding treats is an easy way for weight to creep back on [2].
Exercise discipline – Maintain your dog’s exercise regimen even after reaching ideal weight. Regular activity helps keep metabolism high and prevents weight gain [3].
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s overall wellbeing. Obesity can lead to many health problems, including diabetes, joint issues, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan. While some breeds are prone to being more solidly built, true obesity is dangerous.
If you think your dog may be overweight, the first step is an honest assessment. Look at your dog from above and the sides to check for a tucked abdomen and waist behind the ribs. You should be able to easily feel your dog’s ribs without pressing. Compare your dog to the ideal weight range for its breed. Consult with your vet if you are still unsure.
Getting your dog to a healthy weight requires attention to nutrition and exercise. Feeding measured portions of quality dog food while avoiding table scraps is key. Providing adequate daily activity will help your dog burn calories and build muscle. With time and consistency, you can get your dog to a healthy condition that will add years to its life.
While the journey requires patience and commitment, keeping your dog at an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do as a pet owner. Your dog will feel better, have more energy, and be by your side longer when it maintains a healthy weight.