Managing obesity in dogs

Did you know that up to 40% of dogs in Australia are overweight or obese?

While many owners feel that a little extra “cuddliness” in their beloved pet isn’t a problem, the sad fact is that significant excess weight is proven to be associated with a reduced quality of life, an increased risk of certain illnesses and injuries, and even a shorter lifespan.

So, to help your doggo stay happier, healthier and by your side (or on your lap!) for as long as possible, tip the scales in their favour by following our canine body condition maintenance tips.

Understanding obesity in dogs

When a pet is overweight or obese, they carry excess fatty tissue due to a chronic positive energy imbalance; i.e. they are taking in more energy than they are expending in their day-to-day activities.

A dog is classed as overweight if they are up to 29% over their ideal body condition, and obese when they are 30% or more over ideal condition.

How to check if your dog is overweight

Because we see our canine companions every day and we adore their fluffy little socks off, we may be blind to any unhealthy weight gain.

To more objectively assess your pet’s body condition, it’s helpful to consult a Body Condition Score chart, which gives descriptive and visual cues to help you score your dog’s body condition from a range of 1 to 9, with 5 being the ideal condition. Scores of 6-7 indicate a pet is likely overweight, whereas a score of 8-9 indicates obesity.

If you’re unsure where your doggo sits on the scale (it can sometimes be hard to tell under all that fluff!), consult your veterinarian.

Health risks of excess weight in dogs

Excess fat on your dog’s body or around their organs isn’t just a physical impediment. Rather than just hanging around quietly, excess fatty tissue is biologically active, releasing substances that trigger hormonal and metabolic imbalances and elicit a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the pet’s body.

Unfortunately, this chronic internal imbalance and inflammation can increase your dog’s likelihood of developing certain illnesses, including:

• Cardiovascular disease and hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Abnormally fatty blood, which can lead to pancreatitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Reduced lung function
• Cancer
• Gut bacterial imbalances
• Chronic liver disease

Physically, the excess fatty tissue on your pet’s body can also:

• Increase their risk of dangerous heat-related illness (heatstroke)
• Contribute towards excess skin rolls and folds, which can lead to recurrent skin infections and urinary tract infections
• Increase their chances of joint injuries such as cruciate ligament damage, and worsen conditions such as hip dysplasia
• Place pressure on their airways, worsening conditions such as tracheal collapse and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in snub-nosed dogs

And lastly, studies have shown that overweight dogs have a median lifespan of up to 2.5 years less compared to normal-weight dogs.

Managing and supporting a healthy weight in your dog

The good news? You can prevent or manage unhealthy weight gain and the associated issues in your dog with consistent healthy lifestyle adjustments – yay!

We say lifestyle adjustments, because helping your pet to live their healthiest life isn’t just about just drastically reducing the size of their meals, and then trying (and likely eventually failing) to ignore their sad “Me so hungry” eyes! It involves consistent, slow and steady measures that help to support your dog nutritionally, physically and mentally in the long run.

Nutritional support

A good diet is the foundation of your pet’s healthiest condition! Here are some tips to ensure your beloved pooch is getting the nutritional support they need:

• Ensure your dog is on a complete and balanced diet that is appropriate for their life stage, as animals will show more food-seeking behaviours if they are deficient in any nutrients.
• Consult the labelled feeding guidelines for your dog’s food as a starting point, properly measuring out portions by weight or measuring cup volume. However, just like us, pets have different metabolic rates, so you should regularly reassess your pet’s body condition score – if they appear to be gaining unhealthy weight:
• Check that they’re not receiving excess treats – no more than 10% of your pet’s total daily calorie allowance should come from treats (with dogs needing approximately 60 calories for every 1kg of their ideal body weight)
• If treats aren’t the issue, reduce your pet’s total daily food quantity by 10% and continue to monitor their body condition
• If you are struggling to manage a healthy weight for your dog, consult your veterinarian regarding prescription weight loss diets.

Physical support

Keeping your pet active is essential for their physical and mental health!

• Daily outdoor exercise is a must for every dog, though the amount and intensity will depend on your dog’s breed, age, and fitness level. If your pet has been fairly sedentary, build up their exercise levels gradually over a period of weeks to months, stopping for a rest and water break if ever they are panting heavily. Avoid exercising your dog during hot or humid conditions, particularly if they are overweight or a snub-nosed breed.
• If your pet is overweight or has joint issues, consult your vet about safe, low impact exercise options such as leash-walking, shallow water play or hydrotherapy.
• Regular veterinary health checks (every 12 months for dogs up to 7 years old, and then every 6-12 months from 8+ years plus) will help your vet keep an eye on your pet’s joint comfort and mobility, so they can stay comfortably active.

Mental support

Your dog should always be living their best and most fulfilling life, even if they’re on a diet!

If your pet is very food-motived and tends to beg for food, you can offer happy distractions such as:

• Non-food related environmental enrichment, such as interactive toys, chew toys, or a fun game with you
• Healthy treats and measured quantities of low-calorie meal fillers such as cooked veggies (e.g. carrot, pumpkin, or green beans)
• Exciting mealtimes, where you scatter food around for them to sniff out or put some food in a puzzle toy or snuffle mat
• Small, frequent meals, so that your pet isn’t hanging out for one meal a day
• Lots of cuddles and attention (which can be therapeutic all around!)

For more help managing obesity-related issues in your dog, consult your veterinarian. Discover more articles and insights on The Dish.

21 Jul 2026