Overweight Dog Help

Is your dog looking a little more round than they used to? Does your dog get tired after a short burst of exercise? If so, it’s possible that your dog is overweight. Just as we are seeing in humans, obesity in dogs is on the rise and it predisposes your family member to lots of diseases.

When is a dog considered to be overweight?

A dog is considered to be overweight when they have developed fat pads over their spine and ribs and they lose their abdominal tuck – this is also known as being “over conditioned”. We use body condition scoring as a way of identifying whether a dog is overweight – a score over 3 means they are too heavy.

Are some breeds prone to obesity?

Breeds with long backs and short legs such as Dachshunds and Corgis are predisposed to obesity due to poor conformation. Other breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, are predisposed because they are highly food motivated and tend to receive a lot of extra snacks.

Why should my dog have a weight loss consultation at the clinic?

Just like in humans, carrying extra weight puts a lot of additional strain on your dog’s internal organs and joints. This will lead to an increased likelihood of developing medical conditions such as Osteoarthritis and Diabetes Mellitus.

Weight loss is challenging, so let your vet help you create a plan that best suits your dog’s needs so they can live a more active and pain-free life! Together, we can create a plan that ensures your dog loses the weight in a safe manner and you learn ways to prevent your dog from becoming overweight again.