Has your pup packed on some extra pounds? If your dog's overweight, they're not alone. Roughly 56% of all dogs are classified as either overweight or obese. While excess weight can lead to a variety of health problems, most solutions are straightforward, affordable, and even fun.
Here's how to help a dog lose weight and stay healthy:
Is Your Dog Overweight?
The best way to know if your pet is overweight is a visit with the vet. You'll get an accurate weight along with a customized diet plan.
You can estimate your dog's weight at home with a regular scale. If your dog struggles to sit still on the scale, you can weigh yourself, hold them, and subtract your weight. Check out the American Kennel Club's Breed Weight Chart for comparison info.
These additional methods can also help you determine if your dog is overweight:
- Feel Their Ribs – If you can feel them without pressing hard on the dog's side, the dog is likely a proper weight. If you can't feel the ribs easily, your dog should probably lose some pounds.
- Check for Fat Pads – Watch for fat sacks, which typically form between the dog's legs or at the top of their hips.
- Look at Their Body Shape - A healthy dog has a clearly defined waist with a straight build along the sides, while an overweight dog has a more oval-shaped appearance.
When in doubt, check with your vet.
Dog Weight Loss Strategies
Learning how to help a dog lose weight starts by making changes to their diet.
Limit Calorie Intake
An essential aspect of canine weight management is daily caloric intake. You'll need to know your dog's daily calorie limit and then feed them under that number.
Caloric intake is determined by a wide range of factors such as the dog's weight, body condition, type of diet, and more. The easiest and most accurate option to learn what's right for your dog is to ask your vet. You can also check out this online calorie calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance.
When serving meals, don't eyeball the portions. Stick to the exact measurements for your dog's caloric needs. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways to lose weight.
Change Their Food
Consider switching their diet to something specifically formulated for overweight dogs. Most major dog food brands offer two types:
- "Reduced calorie" or "reduced-fat" dog food – They're designed to help obese dogs lose weight.
- "Light" or "lean" dog food – They're made for dogs who are currently at a healthy weight.
When switching your dog's food, you want to slowly replace the new food with the old. Dogs have sensitive stomachs, and switching foods too fast can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Here are the standard guidelines for switching food:
- Day 1: 90% Old Food and 10% New
- Day 2: 75% Old, 25% New
- Day 3: 50% of Each
- Day 4: 50% of Each
- Day 5: 25% Old, 75% New
- Day 6: 10% Old, 90% New
- Day 7: 100% New
Mild stomach issues can be expected, but contact your vet if your dog experiences excessive signs of distress during the switch.
Ban People Food and Limit Treats
Dog food is made to meet a dog's nutritional needs. While some "people foods" have benefits for dogs, or at least aren't harmful, if your dog is overweight, the best option is to stop giving them people foods entirely.
Make sure the entire family follows the rules. For instance, if everyone in the household sneaks a chip to the family dog, the calories can add up quickly!
Your dog can still have treats while on a diet. However, make sure you count the calories toward the daily total. Also, switch to weight management treats, which are available from many major brands.
How to Exercise Your Dog
Aside from diet, exercise also plays a major role in keeping your dog fit. You have a variety of fun options.
Walking
Walks are a classic activity enjoyed by both dog and owner. Most healthy adult dogs benefit from a daily walk between 30 and 60 minutes.
Avoid running or jogging with an obese dog. Instead, stick with walking until they've reached a healthy weight. Then you try picking up the pace if you want.
Walking requires minimal equipment. You only need a harness, poop bags, and possibly a dog jacket. Even better, walking has health benefits for humans, too!
Swimming
Swimming can provide great exercise for obese dogs. The buoyancy of the water helps take pressure off their joints.
Some dogs love to swim, while others avoid bodies of water at any cost. If your dog isn't interested, don't force them. If they are, feel free to let them swim in a safe environment, as long as you equip them with a doggie life vest and supervise them at all times.
Fetch
The game of fetch burns calories while also providing you and your dog with the opportunity to bond. Follow these guidelines to keep them safe:
- Choose the Right Toy – Generally, bigger is better. Your dog should be able to pick up the ball or toy without struggling, but it shouldn't be small enough to pose a choking hazard.
- Stick to Soft Surfaces – Don't play fetch on concrete, wood, or other hard ground. Instead, carpet, grass, or soft dirt is best.
- Keep Sessions Short – With an overweight dog, only throw the toy a few times before taking a break. Dogs don't know when to stop playing on their own.
Always double-check with your vet before beginning any exercise regimen to ensure it's suitable for your dog's age, size, and health.
Final Thoughts
Diet and exercise are the two keys to keeping your dog at a healthy weight. If they're currently obese, switch their diet to a weight-management formula and follow calorie limits established by your vet. Also, take them for walks or otherwise engage in exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
There's no one right way for how to help a dog lose weight. Choose the options above that work best for your dog's age, health, and temperament. Fortunately, keeping your dog at a healthy weight is easy, fun, and helps your dog live a long and happy life!
