Obesity in dogs is an increasingly common issue. Find out what can cause obesity in your four-legged friend, what the consequences are, and how to tackle it effectively!
Obesity in dogs
Obesity has become an ever more frequent problem in recent years, not just among humans, but also in household pets. Canine obesity can result in serious health complications and has a direct impact on your pet’s overall wellbeing. So, what are the causes and consequences of obesity in dogs, and how should it be treated?
Causes of obesity
Obesity is now recognised as one of the most significant problems of modern civilisation, affecting not only people but also companion animals. Our dogs are particularly prone to gaining excess weight, which can result in many severe health consequences.
Obesity refers to an excessive amount of white adipose tissue. According to studies on pets, dogs are considered overweight when their body mass exceeds the optimal weight by 15%. Obesity, meanwhile, is diagnosed when a dog’s body mass is over 30% above the ideal weight.
Unfortunately, as with humans, obesity in dogs is a growing issue. There are many reasons why your pet might be carrying extra weight. What are the most important ones?
- Inappropriate diet – Overfeeding, giving table scraps or too many treats, or feeding food that is unsuitable for the dog’s calorie requirement can all contribute to weight gain.
- Lack of physical activity or complete inactivity – Short walks, not enough playtime outdoors, or spending most of the time inactive indoors can cause a dog to put on weight.
- Breed predispositions – Some breeds are particularly prone to obesity, such as Cairn Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Basset Hounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Labradors.
- Age – Older dogs lose muscle mass, which lowers their daily energy needs. Failing to reduce food intake as a dog ages can therefore lead to obesity.
- Hormonal changes – Certain hormonal disorders, for example hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism, can contribute to canine obesity.
- Neutering/spaying – After these procedures, a dog’s metabolism slows down and appetite often increases, both of which can cause obesity.
- Medication – Some medications may cause weight gain in pets.
- Owner’s overweight or obesity – Owners’ poor eating habits can also be passed on to their dogs, resulting in obesity.
Consequences
Obesity in dogs unfortunately brings with it many negative consequences. Owners of overweight pets need to be aware of a range of serious health risks. What are the most significant ones?
- Shortened lifespan – Obese dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan and poorer glucose tolerance than those at a healthy weight.
- Endocrine disorders – Overweight dogs may develop type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, or hyperadrenocorticism.
- Dyslipidaemia – Obese dogs may have moderately increased cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels.
- Orthopaedic disorders – Extra weight puts significant strain on a dog’s joints, which can result in arthritis, degenerative changes, or pain when moving.
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension – Obesity significantly affects respiratory function and can lead to tracheal collapse, particularly in small breeds. There is also an increased risk of laryngeal paralysis, asthma, airway obstruction syndrome, and impaired chest movement.
- Cancer – Overweight dogs are more prone to developing certain types of cancer, including transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
- Urogenital disorders – Obese dogs may suffer from urinary sphincter incontinence and are at greater risk of complicated births.
- Reduced immunity – Obesity weakens the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infections.
How to recognise obesity in your dog
Every dog owner should know how to spot obesity in their pet. Noticing extra weight early on makes it possible to act and may protect your dog from serious health consequences.
What are the signs of obesity in dogs?
- Rounded body shape – A lack of waist and a thick layer of fat around the neck and hips may indicate obesity.
- Unable to feel ribs – If your dog’s ribs are covered by a thick layer of fat and cannot be felt, it is likely that your dog is obese.
- Reduced mobility – Overweight dogs tend to avoid physical activity, play outdoors less, and tire much more quickly than those at an optimal weight.
- Lethargy – Obese dogs have less energy and tend to sleep more.
How to treat obesity
To safeguard your dog’s health and condition, it’s important to pay close attention to excess weight. Taking prompt and appropriate action can save your pet from many serious health issues. So how should you treat obesity in dogs?
- Proper diet – To help your dog lose weight, consider changing their diet or reducing their daily calorie intake. It’s vital to carefully read food labels and choose products that are high in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates.
- Regular physical activity – Daily walks and outdoor play not only help your dog shed excess weight, but also keep them in good condition.
- Veterinary consultation – It’s worth taking your dog to the vet to identify the cause of obesity and to determine the ideal weight to aim for.
- Throughout treatment, regular monitoring of body weight is crucial to effectively track progress.
Keeping a healthy weight is easier when gut health is supported. Postbiotics, such as the DeliGuard liquid supplement made by Bacillus subtilis, help balance gut bacteria, improve digestion, and increase nutrient absorption. They also reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system, which is especially important for overweight dogs.
