Obesity in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Just like people, dogs can struggle with weight gain—and it can be hard to notice when those extra pounds start adding up.  

Obesity in dogs is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems and shorten your dog’s lifespan.  

Understanding the risks, causes, and ways to manage obesity can help you keep your dog healthy for years to come. 

What is Obesity in Dogs?

Obesity can be defined as an excess accumulation of body fat that contributes to disease.  

Dogs that weigh at least 10% above their ideal body weight are considered overweight, while dogs weighing 20% more than ideal are considered obese.  

Excess body weight can be a contributing factor in many diseases. 

Risks Associated With Obesity in Dogs 

Up to 65% of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. Obesity can contribute to many health issues in dogs, including: 

• Arthritis 

• Pancreatitis 

• Kidney disease 

• Respiratory compromise 

• Decreased exercise and heat tolerance 

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease 

• Abnormal response to insulin 

• Increased anesthetic risk 

• Decreased quality of life 

Showing love by showering your dog with treats may result in a shortened lifespan and decreased quality of life if the excess calories result in obesity. 

Symptoms of Obesity in Dogs

Signs of an overweight dog may include: 

• Weight gain 

• Less energy than usual 

• Decreased exercise tolerance 

• A collar or harness that seems tighter than it used to be 

• Being unable to feel the ribs, or seeing a “waistline” (a small tuck in the belly right in front of the hind legs) 

Causes of Obesity in Dogs

The most obvious cause of obesity in dogs is overfeeding, which can include the dog’s regular wet or dry food, treats designed for dogs, and table scraps or human foods.  

Inadequate exercise can also lead to your dog becoming overweight. Additionally, there are some medical conditions that cause obesity, including hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease. 

Certain dog breeds can also be predisposed to obesity, including: 

• Golden Retriever 

• Labrador Retriever 

• Cocker Spaniel 

• Dachshund 

• Beagle 

• Boxer 

• Pug 

Is My Dog Overweight? 

If you suspect your dog may be overweight, schedule a weight check and examination with your veterinarian.  

If there seems to be excess padding over your dog’s ribs or you are unable to see a slight tuck-up just in front of the hind legs, chances are high that your dog is carrying excess weight. 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Obesity in Dogs

Your veterinarian can obtain your dog’s weight and look for trends over time indicating weight gain or loss. A measurement called body condition scoring is typically done at this time. 

The two most commonly used body condition scores are a five-point scale (where three is considered ideal) and a nine-point scale (where four to five is considered ideal). Your dog should have an hourglass shape when viewed from above if they are at their ideal body weight, which can be determined through their body condition score. 

Body Condition Score Based on Dog Size 

Small Dog 

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Medium-Sized Dog 

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Large Dog 

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Extra-Large Dog 

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Your veterinarian may also run some blood work to check for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to weight gain, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.  

If the weight gain has been very sudden, your veterinarian may also recommend X-rays to check for fluid or masses in the abdomen. 

Treatment of Obesity in Dogs

The basic components for treating obesity are exercise and dietary changes.  

Exercise 

Depending on the severity of obesity and current fitness level, increasing the amount of your dog’s daily exercise may need to be done gradually.  

In general, most dogs can safely exercise for 15–30 minutes per day to start. The duration and intensity can be slowly increased as your dog loses weight and becomes more fit.  

A simple walk is feasible for most families, but exercise can also include playing fetch indoors or outdoors, swimming, and running.  

If your dog is older, you’ll need to follow a senior-specific exercise plan depending on their health. 

Diet 

Dietary changes should be made with the guidance of your dog’s veterinary team. The reduction or elimination of extras like treats and table scraps will be helpful, and a change in type and/or amount of food is often needed.  

There are many weight loss diets available, and some options, like Blue Buffalo True Solutions Natural Weight Control Dry Dog Food, are available over the counter. 

Other weight loss diets can only be purchased with authorization from your veterinarian.  

Since dogs who are overweight and obese are at a higher risk of other comorbidities, some veterinary weight loss diets target multiple issues at once, like Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Mobility Support and Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Urinary Care.

Other commonly recommended weight loss foods for dogs include: 

A good goal is weight loss of 1–2% of body weight per week, ideally reducing body fat stores while maintaining lean body tissue.  

Feeding Recommendations 

While most dog foods give feeding amount recommendations, these are only guidelines, and individual dogs may need more or less than recommended to maintain ideal body condition.  

Meal feeding (instead of just leaving a full bowl without measuring) is often helpful in controlling caloric intake. It is also important to use a measuring dog food scoop to ensure consistent feeding of the appropriate amount of food. Splitting your dog’s daily calories into two meals a day is generally recommended for most dogs.  

Instead of eliminating treats completely, you may opt to switch to baby carrots, frozen green beans, pumpkin, or lower-calorie dog treats like Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Crunchy Dog Treats, if your veterinarian agrees that these are good options for your dog. 

Medications are not typically needed to treat obesity unless your dog has Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, in which case regular exams and lab tests will help determine the appropriate type and dose of medication. 

Recovery and Management of Obesity in Dogs

Once your dog has reached their ideal weight, your veterinarian may recommend transitioning to a maintenance diet.  

A maintenance diet is one that allows a dog to maintain their new weight without packing on the pounds like a regular dog food would cause after being on a weight loss diet.  

It is important to continue regular exercise and limit extra treats and snacks. 

Prevention of Obesity in Dogs

Of course, preventing obesity in your dog before it even happens is ideal. This can be achieved by offering two meals per day instead of always having food available, avoiding excessive treats, and ensuring that your dog gets regular exercise.  

In some cases, your vet may recommend feeding your dog three times a day especially in cases related to extra small breeds, certain senior dogs, or puppies.  

Exercise is not just good for your dog—it’s good for humans too— and offers physical and emotional benefits for all involved. 

While it takes effort to prevent or correct obesity, the benefits of a longer and healthier life are well worth it for you and your dog