A recent study by the Royal Veterinary College found that UK vets report that 1 in 14 dogs in their care are overweight, with certain breeds, middle aged and neutered male dogs at greatest risk of obesity.

Dog obesity is common in the UK and brings a whole host of potential health complications with it. One of the main causes seems to be owners not realising that their pet is getting a little too cuddly, and not making small changes to combat the weight gain. 

So, how do you know if your dog is gaining too much weight, and how can you prevent it?

What is obesity in dogs?

Obesity is a nutritional condition which is characterised by a high proportion of body fat. Whereas dogs with some excess fat may be considered overweight, obesity is diagnosed when this excess weight has reached a point where it poses a significant risk to your dog’s health. 

The RVC study found that while obesity can occur in any breed, and at any age, it is most common amongst 6-9 year old dogs. Certain breeds also have a predisposition to obesity due to their genetics, when compared to cross breeds; these are:

• Pugs
• Beagles
• Golden Retrievers 
• English Spinger Spaniels
• Border Terriers
• Labrador Retreivers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Cocker Spaniels

Neutered male dogs are more likely to be overweight than entire females and interestingly, insured dogs are more likely to be over weight than uninsured dogs. 

Obesity does come with severe welfare risks for dogs. Obese dogs have shortened lifespans, reduced quality of life and higher instances of health complications such as heart or respiratory problems, arthritis and diabetes, and can also make other conditions more serious. Luckily, many of these risks can be reduced by helping your pup get back to a healthy weight.

What causes obesity in dogs?

Put simply, obesity is caused by a dog consuming more calories than he is burning throughout the day. Every dog is different, so it can be tough for any owner to work out the right balance of food and exercise. However, there are a few common pitfalls which can lead to weight gain:

• The owner does not recognising that their pet is overweight, and so does not make lifestyle changes in the early stages of weight gain
• Feeding extra treats on top of meals
• Allowing dogs to have scraps of human food
• Normal meal portion sizes are simply too big
• The dog is not getting enough high quality exercise

There are also some medical conditions which can cause obesity in dogs, including an underactive thyroid gland, insulinoma, and Cushing's disease, but these make up only around 5% of obesity cases. 

Does neutering cause obesity in dogs?

It is a common myth that neutering inevitably causes weight gain in dogs. Neutering slows your dog's metabolism slightly, meaning they require less food on a daily basis and may mean they a little less active. As long as you make appropriate adjustments to your dog's diet after neutering, it should have no effect on his or her weight.

How can I tell if my dog is obese?

It's a good idea to check your dog every few weeks so you notice any changes and take action before it becomes too serious. You can do a simple check by looking and feeling around your dog's torso:

• Look at your dog side on, it should be clear where his ribs end and his tummy will be neatly tucked, not hanging down or bulging out. 
• Look again from above, you should see a clear waist between his ribcage and hips
• Feel your dog's side, from his front legs to his hips. The skin should move freely over the ribs which you should be able to feel
• Feel along your dog's back, you should be able to feel the notches of the spine and hipbones, but they shouldn't be protruding
• Gently squeeze the base of your dog's tail, if your dog is overweight you may notice a build up of fat here and around the tail joint.

Checking your pet's shape is better than relying on weight as it is more consistent across breeds, but your vet will be able to calculate an ideal weight for your dog as an additional guide. You can ask that your dog is weighed on every vet visit and discuss their weight and lifestyle with your vet if you are concerned. 

What are the risks of obesity in dogs?

Obesity can put pressure on all parts of a dog's body and cause a multitude of problems ranging from breathing difficulties to joint problems and even heart disease. Most vets estimate that obesity can cut a dog's lifespan by up to 2 years, and it is a major risk factor when operating on an injured dog.

Some of the most common health issues caused by obesity include:

• Musculoskeletal problems and joint pains and a higher incidence of osteoarthritis
• Respiratory problems (especially in flat faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs)
• Overheating, which can subsequently lead to cramping and bloat
• Type 1 diabetes
• Cancers of all types
• Heart disease

How can I help my dog lose weight?

Helping your dog lose weight often takes a lot of patience, planning and commitment to a diet and exercise plan. Your vet should be able to help you make a plan tailored to your pup, but in the meantime there are some simple actions you can take to get back on track:

Life-stage feeding

Puppies, fully grown dogs, and elderly dogs all need different nutrients and a different daily calorie intake. Talk to your vet to ensure you're feeding the right food for your dog's life stage, and keep reviewing this as he gets older.

Multiple mealtimes

Splitting your dog's daily meal into 2 or more meals will keep their hunger levels down, meaning less scoffing food down, and less begging for scraps.

Keep a food diary

Sometimes it's hard to keep track of exactly how much your dog is eating on a daily basis, especially if he receives regular treats. Keeping a food diary will help you calculate his calorie intake and work out where you can cut back.

Slow feeder bowls and toys

Just like humans, dogs don't realise they are full until at least 10 minutes after eating. Feeding bowls made with grooves force dogs to slow down their eating, making them less likely to overeat, or rush over to you for some of what you're having! Similarly, if you leave snacks to keep your dog entertained throughout the day, try a slow feeder such as a Kong filled with peanut butter.

Get the whole family on board

For your dog to get back to a healthy weight the whole family, and anyone else who regularly interacts with your dog, needs to understand the seriousness of obesity. Explain the risks to everyone, especially to children, and highlight the importance of resisting those puppy dog eyes! This will hopefully stop any secret feeding or extra treats being given by others.

Regular and consistent exercise

For an overweight dog this means at least an hour of walking every day, although this can be split into multiple shorter walks. Some larger, more active breeds will need much more than this, but your vet will be able to advise on where to start. Ask a neighbour or local dog walker to take your dog out during the day if you are unable to commit to these walks during your working week.

Exercise using play

Many overweight or older dogs are reluctant to walk or can only manage a short distance before getting bored or tired. Gently encourage them to push themselves a little further by playing fun active games such as fetch or football.

For a dog that is only slightly overweight, reducing portion size or switching to a lower calorie dog food could be all that's needed. However, it all cases it's important to consult your vet if you're worried about obesity in your dog. Your vet may prescribe a special diet and exercise plan to help get your pooch back on track, and will be able to offer advice specific to your dog's breed, age, and life-stage.

Explore more Dog Nutrition advice, and consider buying dog health insurance so you know you'll have financial support should your best friend develop health issues.