Obesity in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Obesity in dogs occurs when excess body fat accumulates and contributes to health problems. 

Obesity can increase the risk of health issues such as arthritis, kidney disease, and respiratory issues. Overfeeding, inadequate exercise, and certain medical conditions can contribute to weight gain.

Here’s what pet parents should know about the signs, causes, treatment, and prevention of obesity in dogs.

What Is Obesity in Dogs?

Obesity in dogs is 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.

What Are the Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs?

Obesity in dogs can contribute to health problems such as arthritis, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and respiratory issues, as well as decreased quality of life.

In the U.S., up to 65% of dogs are considered overweight or obese. Health risks associated with obesity in dogs include:

• 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.

What Are the Signs of Obesity in Dogs?

Signs of obesity in dogs include weight gain, decreased energy, reduced exercise tolerance, and changes in body shape, such as difficulty feeling the ribs or noticing that a collar or harness fits more tightly.

Other 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)\

Is My Dog Overweight?

Your dog may be overweight if you notice excess padding over their ribs or cannot see a slight tuck-up in their belly just in front of the hind legs.

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

What Causes Obesity in Dogs?

Obesity in dogs is commonly caused by overfeeding, inadequate exercise, or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease.

Overfeeding can include giving your dog too much of their regular wet or dry food, treats designed for dogs, or table scraps and human foods.

Inadequate exercise can also lead to your dog becoming overweight. Medical conditions that may contribute to obesity include 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

How Veterinarians Diagnose Obesity in Dogs

Veterinarians diagnose obesity in dogs by measuring their weight, tracking weight changes over time, and assessing their body condition score.

A body condition score helps determine whether your dog is at their ideal weight. The two most commonly used scoring systems are:

• Five-point scale: A score of 3 is considered ideal.
• Nine-point scale: A score of 4–5 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

Download the body condition score chart for small dogs.

Medium-Sized Dog 

Download the body condition score chart for medium-sized dogs.

Large Dog 

Download the body condition score chart for large dogs.

Extra-Large Dog 

Download the body condition score chart for extra-large dogs.

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.

How To Treat Obesity in Dogs

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

Exercise for Overweight Dogs

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.

Dietary Changes for Weight Loss in Dogs

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. Some options, like Blue Buffalo True Solutions Natural Weight Control Dry Dog Food and Blue Buffalo True Solutions Natural Weight Control Wet 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.

For additional options, see PetMD's guide to weight loss foods for dogs.

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 for Overweight Dogs

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

Long-term management of obesity in dogs involves maintaining a healthy weight through an appropriate diet, regular exercise, and limiting extra treats and snacks.

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

A maintenance diet helps your dog maintain their new weight after completing a weight-loss diet.

How To Prevent Obesity in Dogs

To prevent obesity in dogs, offer scheduled meals instead of leaving food available all day, avoid excessive treats, and ensure your dog gets regular exercise.

Offering two meals per day instead of always having food available can help prevent obesity.

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

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.