Nowadays, many families treat their pet dogs as part of the family, sometimes even giving them the same care and attention they would give to their own children, providing them with the best food and living conditions. However, this overindulgence can sometimes lead to dogs becoming overweight or even obese. While many people find chubby dogs cute, the reality is that dog obesity can harm their health and even shorten their lifespan. This article will explore the causes of dog obesity, how to assess whether your dog is overweight, the health risks it poses, and how to help your dog lose weight, all in an effort to help pet owners take better care of their beloved pets.

How to Determine If Your Dog Is Overweight?

1. Daily Observation

Owners can assess if their dog is overweight by visually observing and touching the dog. If the dog's waistline disappears, its ribs are difficult to feel, or if its belly sags noticeably, these could be signs of obesity. You can refer to a dog body condition score (BCS) chart, which categorizes a dog’s physique into five levels (from underweight to obese), providing a clear way to compare your dog’s body shape.

2. Compare with Breed-Standard Weight

Different breeds have standard weight ranges. Owners can check the relevant breed's weight guidelines and compare it to their dog’s current weight. If your dog’s weight falls outside the standard range, it may be time to take action. Below is the standard weight range for some common dog breeds, provided for pet owners' reference.

• Small Breeds

① Chihuahua:

Standard weight: 1.5–3 kg

Characteristics: Small in size, fast metabolism, but can easily gain weight if overfed.

② Toy Poodle:

Standard weight: 2–4 kg

Characteristics: Intelligent and active, requires adequate exercise to avoid obesity from excess treats.

③ Yorkshire Terrier:

Standard weight: 2–3 kg

Characteristics: Small but energetic, requires careful calorie management in their diet.

④ Pomeranian:

Standard weight: 1.8–3.5 kg

Characteristics: Dense coat, prone to weight gain due to lack of exercise.

• Medium Breeds

① Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

Standard weight: 10–14 kg

Characteristics: Short legs and long body, prone to obesity from overfeeding and lack of exercise.

② French Bulldog:

Standard weight: 8–14 kg

Characteristics: Prone to gaining weight, requires strict diet control and increased exercise.

③ Beagle:

Standard weight: 9–11 kg

Characteristics: High appetite, prone to overeating and gaining weight.

④ Shiba Inu:

Standard weight: 8–11 kg

Characteristics: Compact build, requires regular exercise to maintain healthy weight.

• Large Breeds

① Labrador Retriever*:

Standard weight: 25–36 kg

Characteristics: Prone to obesity, requires strict diet management and increased physical activity.

② Golden Retriever:

Standard weight: 25–34 kg

Characteristics: Active and playful but susceptible to weight gain if overfed.

③ German Shepherd*:

Standard weight: 30–40 kg

Characteristics: High exercise demands, needs regular activity to maintain a healthy weight.

④ Siberian Husky:

Standard weight: 16–27 kg

Characteristics: Highly energetic, requires intense exercise to prevent obesity.
• Giant Breeds

① Saint Bernard:

Standard weight: 64–120 kg

Characteristics: Large body, needs careful diet management to avoid excessive joint stress.

② Great Dane:

Standard weight: 45–90 kg

Characteristics: Tall and heavy, requires regular exercise to stay at a healthy weight.

③ Tibetan Mastiff:

Standard weight: 45–75 kg

Characteristics: Strong and muscular, requires careful balance between diet and exercise.

What Causes Dogs to Become Overweight?

1. Genetic Factors

Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to obesity, such as English Bulldogs, Labradors, and Beagles. These breeds have slower metabolisms and are more prone to accumulating fat. If you have one of these breeds, extra attention to their diet and exercise is needed.

2. Improper Diet

Human Food Intake: Many owners like to feed their dogs human food, but these foods often contain high levels of oil, salt, sugar, and seasonings, which can lead to obesity over time.

Overfeeding Dog Food: Even if the food is specially formulated for dogs, overfeeding can still lead to excessive calorie intake. Owners should adjust their dog's daily food portions based on its age, weight, and activity level.

Excessive Treats: Treats can be great for training and rewards, but if overused, they can contribute to weight gain. Owners should strictly control the number of treats given and avoid offering them randomly.

3. Lack of Exercise

In modern city living, many dogs don’t have enough space to exercise, and their physical activity is limited. If a dog doesn't get enough exercise, the calories they consume are not burned off, leading to weight gain.

4. Age Factors

As dogs age, their metabolism slows down. If their diet and exercise are not adjusted accordingly, weight gain becomes more likely. Older dogs, in particular, need extra attention to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Health Issues

Some medical conditions can also contribute to obesity, such as hypothyroidism, adrenal gland dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances. If your dog experiences sudden weight gain, it’s important to consult a vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

What Health Risks Are Associated with Dog Obesity?

1. Decreased Physical Stamina

Obese dogs experience decreased stamina and are more likely to become tired quickly during walks or playtime. Some dogs may even refuse to move.

2. Joint Problems

Extra weight puts additional stress on a dog’s joints, leading to conditions like arthritis, ligament damage, or hip dysplasia.

3. Increased Risk of Disease

Obesity can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and high cholesterol. Obese dogs are also more susceptible to skin diseases because excess fat can affect normal skin metabolism.

4. Shortened Lifespan

Severe obesity can significantly shorten a dog’s lifespan. Studies have shown that obese dogs live on average 2 years less than dogs with a healthy weight.

How to Help an Overweight Dog Lose Weight?

1. Control Caloric Intake

Reduce the amount of dog food or switch to a lower-calorie option. It’s important to ensure that your dog still receives enough nutrients during the weight loss process to avoid malnutrition.

2. Balanced Diet

While cutting calories, ensure your dog is still getting the necessary amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Increasing protein intake slightly can help maintain muscle mass while losing weight.

3. Increase Physical Activity

Aim for 30–60 minutes of exercise each day, such as walks, running, or play. Exercise not only helps burn fat but also strengthens the heart and muscles.

4. Multiple Small Meals

Divide your dog’s daily food into several smaller meals to avoid overeating at once. This can help with portion control and digestion.

5. Add Dietary Fiber

Adding some dietary fiber can help increase satiety and reduce hunger. For example, adding small amounts of pumpkin or carrots to the dog’s food can provide additional fiber.

6. Regular Check-ups

Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor your dog’s weight and overall health. If any health issues are identified, they should be addressed immediately.

The issue of dog obesity is not something that can be resolved overnight; it requires patience and consistency from the owner. Through careful dietary management, adequate exercise, and regular health check-ups, dogs can gradually return to a healthy weight. As pet owners, we need to understand the dangers of obesity for our dogs and take proactive steps to help them regain their health and vitality. By doing so, we can ensure that our dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives alongside us.