DOG WEIGHT MANAGEMENT :Tips To Manage Overweight & Underweight Dog’s Weight
Weight-related issues for dogs are becoming increasingly common and as a pet owner, you should take action with the support and advice of your veterinarian, to help your dog achieve and maintain their ideal weight. Alongside daily exercise, feeding your dog a diet to support weight loss can be effective in helping some dogs get back to a healthy weight.
It’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight – this will mean they’re happier and healthier in the long run – but sometimes it can be tough! Food-motivated dogs can quickly pile on the pounds, while fussy eaters can sometimes be leaner than they should be. And as dog obesity rises, it’s important we get our dog’s weight under control. So here’s our top tips for keeping your dog at a healthy weight – from puppyhood to their senior years!
Why is dog weight management important?
A recent study from the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare’s Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, revealed the lifespan for overweight dogs is 2.5 years shorter than dogs with a healthy body weight. That’s because dogs with extra weight can have more health problems later in life.
Excess weight puts pressure on the joints which can lead to arthritis, a painful degenerative joint condition. Overweight dogs can also experience mobility issues. And since they can’t get around as easily as they used to, their quality and enjoyment of life can suffer. Weight gain can also cause heart disease and breathing problems in dogs, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Too much weight can predispose dogs to a whole host of other issues like diabetes, certain cancers, kidney disease, bladder stones and pancreatitis. Pups that are overweight when young are more likely to become overweight adults. And just like humans, shifting the weight in later years can be that much harder.
Dogs at a healthy weight are much less likely to suffer from these health conditions and complications in later years. Which is why it’s important to get weight management under control to ensure your pooch lives a long and healthy life.
How to tell if your dog is a healthy weight
All breeds have a healthy weight range and you can check if your dog is overweight simply by reading the number on the scales. But vets also have a body condition score (BCS) test they use to check if your dog is ideal, over or underweight.
It’s based on a 9-point scale (some vets use a 5-point scale) and assesses 3 key areas – your pup’s ribs, tummy and waist. The vet will run their hands over your dog’s body, paying attention to the key areas to give your dog their score.
In the ideal range, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs through a slight fat covering. Every breed of dog should have a visible waist when viewed overhead, but it shouldn’t be too prominent. And your dog’s tummy should tuck up from the ribs towards the groin when viewed side on and not hang down to the floor.
You should check your dog’s weight regularly to ensure they stay in the ideal range. Either use your scales at home or pop them into the vet for a quick check up. Your vet team are there to offer support and advice if your dog needs to lose weight.
Breeds prone to weight gain
Some breeds are typically more prone to being overweight than others. And sometimes it’s not just a case of a greedy pooch! About a quarter of Labradors have a mutation of a gene called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) which controls appetite, meaning they can still feel hungry even after eating a big meal.
With breeds prone to being overweight, it’s important to pay closer attention to your dog’s diet and find the right nutrients and quantities to help them maintain their ideal weight.
A few breeds prone to obesity include:
- Beagle
- Shih Tzu
- Cocker Spaniel
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Bulldog
- Pug
- Boxer
- Dachshund
- Rottweiler
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Basset Hound
How to Calculate Your Dog’s Healthy Weight
A wide range of body sizes and types exist among dog breeds, which makes it hard to determine the “average” dog weight. For example, the graceful Greyhound and the short-legged Basset Hound may both weigh 60 pounds, but these two breeds have different physiques and metabolic needs.
So instead of comparing your dog’s weight to a generic chart, veterinary research groups have come up with a better way. They’ve conducted nutritional studies that have shown that an animal’s target weight is best estimated using a combination of body weight and body condition score (BCS).
Step 1: Calculate Your Dog’s Body Condition Score
The Body Condition Score is a popular tool used to estimate the amount of fat on the body. Canine BCS is most commonly evaluated on a 9-point scale, and dogs that score in the middle of the scale (a 4 or 5 out of 9) have a healthy body condition.
Dogs scoring 1 to 3 are considered too thin, whereas a score of 6 or 7 implies that a dog is overweight. Obese dogs typically receive BCS scores of 8 or 9, and it is possible for morbidly obese dogs to have a BCS greater than 9.
BCS is evaluated by examining the ribs, abdomen and waistline by sight, and more importantly, by touch.
The ribs should be palpable and covered by minimal amounts of fat. When viewed from above, the dog’s waistline should be visible by a subtle inward curve behind the ribs.
A side view of the dog should reveal an “abdominal tuck,” or a slight upward curve of the belly behind the ribs.
Overweight dogs will have excess fat covering the ribs and will lack a noticeable waistline or abdominal tuck. In contrast, underweight dogs will have an accentuated waistline and abdominal tuck, and the ribs, pelvis and vertebrae will be prominent and lack any palpable fat.
Step 2: Calculate Your Dog’s Target Weight
Now that you know your dog’s BCS, you can use it to figure out their ideal weight. This method was created by researchers at the University of Liverpool and Royal Canin.
Use the following steps to estimate your dog’s ideal weight:
| Steps | Example: 50-lb. dog with BCS of 9 |
| 1. Take your dog’s starting BCS and subtract 5. | 9-5 = 4 |
| 2. Multiply that number by 10. | 4 x 10 = 40 |
| 3. Add 100. | 40 + 100 = 140 |
| 4. Divide 100 by the result from Step 3. Round to 3 digits. | 100 / 140 = .714 |
| 5. Multiply that by your dog’s current weight. | .714 x 50 pounds = 35.7 pounds |
| Dog’s Target Weight: | 35.7 pounds |
Here’s the formula we used for the calculations in the table above:
Let’s enter the 50-pound dog’s numbers into this formula:
According to the calculation, this 50-pound dog’s target weight (after weight loss) is 35.7 pounds. If the dog had a different BCS, their target weight would be different.
Adult weight ranges of different dog breeds
| BREED | ADULT MATE WEIGHT | ADULT FEMALE WEIGHT |
| Entlebucher Mountain Dogs | 55-65 pounds | 55-65 pounds |
| Finnish Lapphunds | 33-53 pounds | 33-53 pounds |
| Finnish Spitz | 25-33 pounds | 20-28 pounds |
| Fox Terriers (Smooth) | 18 pounds in show condition | 16 pounds in show condition |
| Fox Terriers (Wire) | 18 pounds in show condition | 16 pounds in show condition |
| French Bulldogs | Under 28 pounds | Under 28 pounds |
| German Pinschers | 25-45 pounds | 25-45 pounds |
| German Shepherd Dogs | 65-90 pounds | 50-70 pounds |
| Giant Schnauzers | 60-85 pounds | 55-75 pounds |
| Glen of Imaal Terriers | 32-40 pounds | 32-40 pounds |
| Great Danes | 140-175 pounds | 110-140 pounds |
| Great Pyrenees | 100 pounds & up | 85 pounds & up |
| Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs | 115-140 pounds | 85-110 pounds |
| Greyhounds | 65-70 pounds | 60-65 pounds |
| Harriers | 45-60 pounds | 45-60 pounds |
| Havanese | 7-13 pounds | 7-13 pounds |
| Ibizan Hounds | 50 pounds | 45 pounds |
Why It’s Important to Know Your Dog’s Ideal Weight
Knowing your dog’s ideal body weight can help you plan a successful weight loss program, or it can let you know what your pet should weigh if your pet is underweight or losing weight inexplicably.
Pets That Need to Lose Weight
Pet weight loss programs usually involve some degree of calorie restriction in order to help your dog lose weight at a gradual pace. By having a target body weight in mind, your veterinarian can help estimate your dog’s daily caloric needs so that you know exactly how much to feed your dog.
Through diet modification and regular exercise, your dog’s metabolic needs will likely change as he begins to lose weight. This is why regular monitoring, including monthly weigh-ins and BCS measurements, are important to help your pet reach his target body condition in a safe and healthy manner.
How Your Dog’s Weight Affects Their Health
It’s no secret that unhealthy weight in humans, whether overweight or underweight, can lead to health concerns. But did you know the same thing can happen to your dog? According to an article published by the American Kennel Club, dog obesity can contribute to health conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Orthopedic Problems
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- Skin Disease
- Heart and Respiratory Disease
If your dog’s weight gets too out of control, it can even lead to decreased life expectancy. Since our canine companions are part of the family, we want to get as much time as we can with them.
Helping Your Dog Shed the Extra Pounds
If you’ve noticed your pet gaining some extra weight, your first stop should be a visit to your vet. Ruling out health conditions that could be causing your dog’s weight gain is extremely important. Once your vet has determined that there aren’t any underlying medical issues, you should consult with them about the best weight management strategy for helping your overweight dog get back to a healthy size.
- Physical Exercise
Just like in humans, a combination of physical exercise and a change in diet typically brings about the most success when it comes to weight loss in dogs. Since your dog can’t just get up in the morning and drive on over to a doggie gym, the exercise part will largely depend on your commitment to staying involved with their physical activity level. This is a great time to bond, so get out there and have fun with it! If your furry best friend has a hard time getting around, try low-impact exercises like swimming or taking a walk to start out. Fetch is always a favourite activity that can keep your pup engaged for longer amounts of time to increase physical fitness.
- Doggie Diet
If your vet has expressed concern over your four-legged friend’s weight, they may recommend that you consider changing your dog’s diet to help control their weight. When it comes to their doggie diet, the answer can be as simple as switching their regular dog food to specialized weight management dog food. Formulated specifically to help your canine companion reach their health goals, this specialized food makes it easy for you to control their diet. You can also trade out their old treats for new low-calorie favourites. Or, simply decrease the amount of treats you give them to help cut down on unnecessary calories throughout the day.
- Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries around food can be beneficial to your cuddly canine companion’s weight loss journey as well. First, try a feeding schedule. If their food is not constantly available to your dog, they will be less likely to overeat and snack all day long. Simply put their food bowl out of their reach once they finish a meal, then offer it again when it’s time for another meal. Measuring out portion size and limiting snacks are also effective ways to control your pet’s food intake and help manage their weight.
What causes weight gain in dogs?
The most common reasons for weight gain are the same for dogs as for humans – too many calories in compared to calories out. The dog is eating too much or the wrong kinds of foods and not getting enough exercise to burn them off, leaving an excess to be stored as fat.
Poor quality foods can be full of salts and fat, which may encourage the dog to eat more, but the nutritional content in the food is not good.
Some dogs find exercise difficult. Older dogs are generally less active and less mobile, and the short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs can become short of breath very quickly meaning they may not be active enough.
Some breeds are more prone to gaining weight. Examples are dachshunds, beagles, golden retrievers, pugs and bulldogs.
Spayed or neutered dogs have a difference in their metabolism according to clinical studies, meaning that they require fewer calories.
Chronic medical conditions can sometimes cause weight gain and will need management in consultation with a vet. These include hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, better known as Cushing’s disease.
A sudden bloating of the stomach in a usually healthy dog could be GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus) also known as bloat. This is an extreme emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Signs and symptoms of weight gain in dogs
The most obvious sign of a dog gaining weight is the increase in their fat layers. Initially, the ribs become harder to feel, and the waist thickens when viewed from above until the dog is a straight line either side from ribs to hip joints.
The abdominal tuck – the lift in the line of the stomach from behind the ribs to the front of the back leg – also disappears and becomes another straight line.
An overweight dog will have a lower tolerance for exercise. They will move much slower than when fit and healthy and get out of breath very easily.
They may sleep a lot more and could be a bit grouchy and bad-tempered because of how the extra weight is making them feel.
If a collar is worn, it may become tight and need loosening.
How to treat weight gain in dogs
Once any medical conditions have been either ruled out or brought under control, lifestyle changes can start being implemented, including an increased exercise programme and selecting a quality weight loss dog food. The best dog food for weight loss is one that is full of quality ingredients and nutritionally balanced.
It is important that the dieting dog still receive all the vitamins and minerals that they need, even at lower levels of food going in. A number of pet food manufacturers include on their websites a dog feeding calculator by weight, and you can use this to find out how much your dog needs, both when at a fit weight and to lose weight steadily and safely.
An idea for dogs that eat quickly is to give their food in ways that slow them down and make them work a little harder for it. There are a number of commercially available feeding toys and sites that give advice on homemade enrichment toys that will make the speedy eater have to slow down and take longer over their food.
When it comes to weight control dog food is not the entire solution. Start your overweight dog on an increased exercise programme. Be careful not to overdo things at first, but start gently and increase the intensity as your dog starts to be visibly slimmer and fitter.
What is weight loss in dogs?
If your dog is overweight, a controlled steady weight loss will be beneficial to return them safely to a healthy weight. If you suddenly discover your dog losing weight, particularly if in conjunction with other symptoms or that continues despite the dog eating well, this could mean an underlying medical condition that requires treatment or management is present.
This is also true if you have taken action to try putting weight on a dog yet they are still losing more. A dog losing weight but eating a good diet is a definite concern. A loss of more than 10% of the dog’s body weight is concerning and should result in a vet visit to identify if there is a medical issue.
If a dog cannot properly digest and utilise the nutrients in their food, either because of a health condition or because the food is poor quality, they are malnourished.
What causes weight loss in dogs?
There is a wide range of things that can cause a dog to lose weight. The most basic of these is that the dog is not absorbing enough calories from their food to meet their energy requirements.
This could be because the food that the dog is offered does not contain the right nutrients for them, or they do not like the taste of it. Some dogs are also quite fussy in what they will like to eat and can be very selective.
Intestinal parasites can divert nutrients from the dog to utilise themselves. Some worms can be present in huge numbers and severely reduce the amount of nutrition left for the dog’s body to use. Large infestations, particularly of parasites that burrow into the gastrointestinal lining, can leave behind damage that will affect the dog’s digestive capability.
A number of medical conditions can cause weight loss, because either they make the dog feel unwell and not want to eat, or because they interfere with the way the body processes and uses the food they eat. These conditions include pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, colitis, cancer, long-standing kidney disease or advanced heart disease. In the case of the last two on the list, weight loss comes after the disease has been present for some time.
Dental pain can be an issue, particularly in dogs fed dry food as attempting to crunch hard kibble with sore gums or abscesses could be extremely painful.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs or those with intolerances and allergies to ingredients in their food can have persistent gastrointestinal problems. Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly if frequent, means that a lot of the nutritional value of food is wasted as it passes through or is ejected too quickly for the dog to benefit fully.
Other gastric conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also both lead to dogs having an inability to digest food effectively as damage to the intestinal wall decreases the number of calories they can absorb.
Weight loss combined with vomiting and diarrhoea could indicate that there is a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, such as a foreign object that has been swallowed.
Ageing can bring on conditions that will result in an old dog losing weight. Weight loss combined with increased drinking and increased appetite could be a sign of diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of weight loss in dogs
If you weigh your dog regularly, the first sign of weight loss is likely to come from the scales.If your dog is not weighed at frequent intervals, the first thing that you notice may be the physical signs of weight loss, with the dog losing their fat layer, over time hipbones and ribs becoming visible.
Dogs that are malnourished for some time may have dull, brittle coats and have dry, flaky skin making them prone to dandruff. Some dogs may shed hair and can end up with bald patches.
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea can be a sign of an underlying illness or other problem.
Loss of appetite can be a sign that the dog is unwell, or that they dislike the food on offer.
Lethargy can become evident, as the dog is losing weight and does not have the energy to move and play as they would when at a healthy weight and feeling well.
They may be slow-moving, reluctant to go for a walk or become tired and not want to continue after a short distance.
Depression can be a sign of feeling unwell, either from an underlying problem or from having insufficient energy to behave normally.
How to treat weight loss in dogs
Sudden unexplained or persistent weight loss or weight loss associated with symptoms of persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain should trigger a visit to your vet. They can identify any underlying causes and prescribe medication or management of the condition if required.
Once satisfied that there is no medical issue, or the condition has been brought under control, it is time to turn your attention to how to put weight on a dog. When selecting dog food for weight gain, choose one that is highly digestible and full of good quality ingredients.
Low grade bulking agents will not help an underweight dog to put on an ounce. High-quality food for active dogs can be a great option. Look for high protein to help your dog build healthy muscle as they gain weight.
Try feeding small meals throughout the day. If you would normally feed twice a day, split your dog’s meals into four. This can help increase the amount they eat, without overloading in one meal and making themselves sick. To encourage a fussy eater you can add something extra tempting to their bowl-like one of our tasty meat toppings.
Make sure that exercise is taken into account, to help your dog gain weight as muscle and not fat. Start gently so that your dog is not burning all their calories in exercise, but up the intensity slowly as your dog gets closer to their ideal condition.
What is the best weight management dog food?
Firstly, the best weight management dog food will provide your pup with calories proportionate to their activity level, age, breed, size, and neutering status. Because all of these factors influence their metabolism and dietary needs, a personalised diet that is tailored to your pet’s individual needs is by far the best way to ensure they’re going to get all the nutrition they need to maintain a healthy weight and body.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
