Obesity in dogs: FAQ
Obesity in dogs is usually caused by too much food and not enough exercise. Ask your vet for advice if you think your dog may be overweight.
Is my dog overweight?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it's hard to know the right way by looking at a chart. The best way to know if your dog is overweight is by looking at their body shape and assessing their body fat (this is called body condition scoring).
- Does your dog have a potbelly? If so, your dog may be carrying too much weight.
- When looking at your dog from above, do they have a waist? Does the body taper after the rib cage? If so, they may be at a suitable weight.
- Can you easily feel your dog’s ribs? You should be able to feel but not see your dog's ribs if they are a suitable weight.
While body condition scoring is a good way to check how much fat your dog is carrying, you can also find your dog's exact weight using a scale.
What causes obesity in dogs?
Eating too much is usually the main cause of obesity in dogs. Dogs are scavengers in the wild and it is natural for them to eat everything they find – whether they are hungry or not. Begging for food is a trick that they quickly learn to exploit, and it's hard to say no when they ask for treats.
Although it's rare, some illnesses can also cause weight gain in dogs. This can include Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism.
What are the risks of obesity in dogs?
Being overweight can have lasting consequences and can even be fatal. Studies have shown that overweight dogs do not live as long and are more prone to illnesses that spoil their quality of life, such as:
How can I help my dog lose weight?
It is best to start with a trip to the vet. This is to check for medical conditions that may be causing weight gain, or may interfere with weight loss.
Reducing or cutting out treats can be a great first step. Portion control and weighing out the daily ration can also be helpful. Make a record of everything (including table scraps and treats) that your dog eats for a few days. This is often useful in highlighting extra treats that your dog is getting.
Always check that everyone in the house is sticking with the diet, as even a few extra treats here and there may effect whether your dog loses weight.
Slowing down the time it takes for your dog to eat can make meal time last longer and more enjoyable. You can do this using special feeding bowls or snuffle mats.
If simple changes to your dog's feeding routine aren't helping, your vet may advise a special calorie controlled diet. This is usually the most effective way of losing weight. Your vet will tell you how much to feed daily, so it's important to follow this guidance. Weighing out your dog's daily food is best. Schedule regular check ups with your vet to ensure the diet is working and your dog is not losing weight too quickly.
If you are not using a special diet but are just reducing the quantity of your dog's normal food, the diet may be less successful. You can opt for a 'light' version of their usual food, but make sure you are weighing out the correct amount for your dog's target weight. If you're not sure how much to feed your dog or your dog is not losing weight after two months, ask your vet for advice.
Along with feeding the right diet, increasing exercise can be useful for helping your dog to lose weight. Walks and play are also a good way to reward your dog rather than giving them treats. Start gradually and be especially careful with elderly dogs, particularly in hot weather. Your dog's exercise routine may vary depending on their age, breed and size.
Little and often is the safest way to start. Try to take your dog out at least twice a day, and start to introduce active games. Some dogs will get much more out of 30 minutes of games in a safe, traffic-free environment, than they will from a 30 minute walk along a pavement on a lead. If you're letting your dog off the lead, just make sure your dog has a good recall.
Try to increase the activity level at home as well, with fetch games in the garden or scent work indoors.
Exercise for puppies
Puppies need controlled exercise to keep them occupied and to build strong muscles. However, puppies’ bones are still soft and joints are still developing, so strenuous or prolonged exercise and games that make them twist and turn suddenly are not suitable, especially for large breeds. In between periods of exercise, puppies need plenty of time to sleep.
Exercise for older dogs
Dogs still enjoy a walk well into old age and it's important they continue to get regular gentle exercise to keep them mobile and fit. Monitor your dog carefully during walks and exercise, and aim for little and often with plenty of opportunity to rest.
Giving treats, other than for training, is not essential. For any dog, treats also do not have to be large. Your dog's rewards should always be given in portions no bigger than your fingernail.
If you're looking for a healthier treat option, many dogs like crunchy treats such as a piece of carrot or cucumber, or even a piece of rice cake. If you are feeding dry food as a treat, when you weigh out the daily ration, set aside some kibble from this and give them throughout the day.
There is evidence that overweight puppies become obese adults. Feed your puppy the minimum amount for the body weight recommended on the packet, and monitor their body shape they grow. Ask the vet to check their weight at vaccination time.
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Reviewed
• 18 November 2025
Next review
• 17 November 2028
