Obesity in Dogs: How to Tell and What Your Vet Can Do

Obesity in dogs means carrying too much body fat, and it is common in UK dogs. The PDSA says vets estimate that nearly half of UK dogs are overweight, and the extra weight is linked to other health problems and a shorter life. Your vet can help you plan a safe way to lose weight.

At a glance

• What it is: a dog carrying too much body fat for their size and build.
• Who it affects: any dog, though some breeds are more prone. It becomes more likely when food and exercise are out of balance.
• Urgency: routine to soon. Weight gain alone is rarely an emergency, but low energy or increased thirst alongside it are worth speaking to your vet about.
• Vet needed? Yes, usually. A vet can check for medical causes and build a weight-loss plan that suits your dog.

Signs to look for

The PDSA says to check your dog’s shape from the side and from above. A healthy dog has a visible waist and a tummy that tucks up rather than bulges. You should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure, and feel (but not see) the spine and hip bones. Check the base of the tail for fat build-up too.

The Kennel Club’s weight guide launch lists other warning signs: a larger, rounder face, a thick fatty neck, reluctance to go for walks, trouble walking, getting out of breath easily, tiredness or sleeping a lot, ribs that are hard to feel and no waist.

Causes and risk factors

The PDSA says too much food, too many treats or too little exercise is the most common reason dogs gain weight. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause weight gain, but these are much rarer and usually come with other signs, such as coat changes, low energy or increased thirst. Steroid medicines can increase appetite and weight too.

Neutering doesn’t cause weight gain directly, according to the PDSA, but hormonal changes can raise appetite and slow metabolism, so a neutered dog may need fewer calories. The PDSA lists Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as possibly more prone, partly due to genetics. Research from the Royal Veterinary College, reported by the BSAVA, found Pugs at highest risk: almost one in five (17%) are diagnosed with obesity each year, and they are more than three times as likely to be obese as other dogs.

Why it matters: the PDSA lists links with arthritis, diabetes, slipped discs, cruciate ligament problems, windpipe collapse, breathing problems in flat-faced breeds, heatstroke, certain cancers, problems under anaesthetic and a shorter lifespan. Our guide to how long dogs live covers lifespan more broadly.

When to call your vet

Speak to your vet if you are struggling to keep your dog at a healthy weight, or if you think something medical might be behind it, especially if there’s low energy or increased thirst. The PDSA says to always contact your vet if you’re concerned. Weight gain on its own is rarely an emergency, but low energy or increased thirst alongside weight gain is a reason to speak to your vet sooner. If you don’t have a regular practice, our vets database is a good place to start, and our sick dog symptoms guide covers other changes worth a call.

How vets diagnose it

The PDSA explains that your dog is weighed and their body shape checked using a 9-point Body Condition Score. If a medical cause is suspected, your vet can look into that at an appointment.

What vets generally do about it

According to the PDSA, vets draw up an individual weight-loss plan, usually changing diet and exercise, and say your vet or vet nurse can help work out how much to feed. Many practices run weight clinics, and some have scales in the waiting room. Your vet decides what is safe for your dog, so please don’t crash-diet them.

Living with it and prevention

The PDSA suggests a weight-reduction food with the correct levels of fat, protein and nutrients, carefully measured portions and limited treats. Exercise should suit your dog’s age, breed and health. Regular weigh-ins work best, and should carry on after your dog reaches their ideal weight. To prevent weight creeping up, learn your dog’s ideal shape, notice changes early and feed an appropriate diet. The PDSA also suggests taking out pet insurance early, as overweight dogs are more likely to need veterinary care.

Related conditions

• Arthritis in dogs
• Diabetes in dogs
• Hypothyroidism in dogs
• Cushing’s disease in dogs
• Hip dysplasia in dogs
• Pancreatitis in dogs

Back to the A to Z of dog illnesses and conditions.

Specialist help

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes body condition score charts for dogs as part of its Global Nutrition Guidelines (look for the “Body Condition Score – Dog” PDF). They’re written for vet teams, but they show what each score looks like.

Sources

• PDSA Pet Health Hub: Obesity in dogs
• The Kennel Club: New resource set to tackle hefty problem of canine obesity
• BSAVA: Research shows Pugs at highest risk of obesity
• BMC Veterinary Research (O’Neill et al., 2021): Prevalence of commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs under primary veterinary care
• WSAVA: Nutrition Guidelines

This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.