Obese dogs are far from being a novelty in Brazil. According to information from Banfield Pet Hospital, around 25% to 40% of pets in Brazil are obese. Canine obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, when weight is 15-20% above the ideal.
The next step if you notice that your dog is overweight is to take him to the vet, identify the cause, choose the right food and implement a safe weight loss plan.
What is canine obesity?
Canine obesity refers to a dog's excess body fat, which usually occurs when its weight exceeds the recommended 15% to 20%.
This situation goes beyond a mere aesthetic issue, it's a health issue that can have an impact on your pet's quality of life and life expectancy.
Main causes
- Excessive snacking and inadequate nutrition
- Many owners overindulge in treats, leftover human food or high-calorie pet food, without adjusting the daily amount needed.
- Lack of physical exercise
- Sedentary dogs without regular walks or active play burn fewer calories and gain weight more easily.
- Genetic predisposition
- Some breeds are more prone to obesity, such as the Labrador, Golden, Beagle and Pug.
- Hormonal disorders
- Hypothyroidism (drop in metabolism) and Cushing's Syndrome (excess cortisol) can lead to weight gain even with a controlled diet.
How can Canine Obesity be diagnosed?
Veterinarians assess ideal weight using the Body Condition Score (BCS), a scale from 1 to 9, where:
- 1 to 3: Underweight (visible ribs)
- 4 to 5: Ideal weight (palpable ribs, defined waist)
- 6 to 9: Overweight to obese (excessive fat, no visible body shape)
If your dog is struggling to move, panting heavily or you can't feel his ribs when you run your hand over them, it's time for a professional assessment.
Source: PetMoreTime
Symptoms of an Obese Dog
It is very important to detect canine obesity early in order to prevent serious complications.
Check out the physical and behavioral signs that suggest your dog is overweight:
- Ribs not palpable:
When you run your hand over the dog's chest, you can't feel the ribs because of the thick layer of fat.
- Abdomen distended (no "waist"):
Seen from above, the area between the ribs and the hips does not form a curve ("hourglass" shape). From the side, the abdomen bulges out (like a "saggy belly").
- Difficulty getting around:
The dog avoids climbing stairs, jumping on the sofa or walking for a long time. They have slow movements and drag their hind limbs (due to the strain on their joints).
- Panting after minimal effort:
He gets tired quickly on short walks or after playing. Heavy breathing persists even at rest.
- Excessive sleep:
Sleeps more than usual (over 16h/day for adults) and shows apathy.
- Resistance to play:
Ignores toys or interactions they used to love. Prefers to lie down rather than move around.
If your dog shows these signs, schedule a veterinary consultation. Obesity can unfortunately mask serious illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.
Risks of canine obesity
Obesity is a serious condition that facilitates the onset of various chronic diseases and can considerably reduce your pet's life expectancy.
Recent research indicates that overweight dogs can live shorter lives and suffer from complications. Research using data provided by Banfield Pet Hospital found that the life expectancy of overweight dogs was up to two and a half years less, on average, than the life expectancy of dogs with a healthy body weight.
One of the most worrying dangers is the onset of diabetes, which is becoming increasingly common in overweight dogs, as obesity can cause insulin resistance
In addition, there are many other diseases associated with obesity, such as:
- Joint problems;
- Heart disease;
- Certain types of neoplasms;
- Reduced life expectancy (up to 2 years less);
- Cancer.
Treating obesity in dogs
To combat canine obesity, it's important to seek veterinary assistance, which will guide you through changes to your dog's diet and physical routine.
It's no secret that the owner's focus needs to be:
- A dietary re-education according to veterinary recommendations
- Physical exercise (a gradual increase in activity can help)
- Constant monitoring and consultation
An efficient plan should be implemented in stages, always prioritizing the animal's health and comfort. It's important to stress that treatment will depend on the dog and any associated illnesses. Therefore, always consult a veterinarian.
Food for obese dogs
Choosing the ideal food for an obese dog should be personalized, taking into account factors such as age, size, activity level, associated diseases (e.g. diabetes, hypothyroidism) and the animal's preferences.
Below, we've listed the main options on the market, but always consult a veterinarian before making a decision. Remember that these are not direct recommendations:
- Satiety by Royal Canin
- Hill's R/D weight loss
- Hill's Metabolic Obesity for Adult Dogs
- Obesity Premier Pet
- Vet Life Natural Canine Obesity & Diabetic by Farmina
- Obesity animal formula
Before buying any food, it is essential:
- Rule out endocrine diseases: Hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism and diabetes may require specific feedings.
- Analyze comorbidities: Dogs with kidney, liver or heart problems need adapted formulas.
- Calculate the daily portion: Amount varies according to ideal weight, not current weight!
Remember that no food is a substitute for an integrated plan! Combine feeding with exercise, healthy snacks (such as carrots) and quarterly veterinary check-ups.
Schedule a nutritional consultation to receive personalized advice from a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilos is a dog considered obese?
There is no exact number of kilos, as obesity varies according to size and breed. A dog is considered obese when it exceeds 15%-20% of the ideal weight for its size and body structure.
What to do when your dog is overweight?
The first step is to consult a veterinarian, who will be able to assess the dog's general state of health and indicate safe changes. Treatment usually includes:
- Dietary adjustments with a balanced diet suitable for weight loss.
- Increased physical activity, respecting the animal's limits.
- Control and recording of weight with periodic monitoring.
What can obesity cause in dogs?
Canine obesity is associated with various health problems, such as
- Heart and respiratory diseases
- Diabetes mellitus
- Joint pain and osteoarthritis
- Increased surgical risk and reduced life expectancy
In addition, excess weight has a negative impact on the animal's quality of life.
How to get your dog out of obesity?
Dietary re-education and a gradual increase in physical activity are essential. The ideal plan includes:
- Specific diets under veterinary supervision.
- Playing and daily walks.
- Frequent monitoring of weight and body condition.
Remember: no crash diets or over-the-counter drugs. Weight loss must be gradual and safe.
