In Australia, dog obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate. Pet parents don’t often realise that their dogs are at risk of obesity until the health conditions start to appear.
Information is key in making the right decisions for your fur baby! This helpful guide dives into dog obesity, nutritional tips, and more to help your pets maintain a healthier weight.
Why is dog obesity a growing problem in Australia?
Obesity in dogs is a serious health condition that can affect their quality of life. Dogs can be considered obese when they have too much excess fat, which already affects their day-to-day bodily functions and mobility.
Due to this added weight, dogs experience added strain on joints and muscles, increasing the risk of joint pain or osteoarthritis.
Research reveals that moderate excess weight can actually shorten a dog’s life expectancy by as much as two years, which may also be due to heart, metabolic, and respiratory problems caused by obesity.
Addressing weight-related issues early is much easier than treating more serious issues that may develop further. Focusing on your pet’s diet and building their exercise routine will help manage their weight, allowing your dog to achieve a healthier and more comfortable life.
Is my dog overweight?
Obesity has been growing alarmingly over the years. According to research by RSPCA Australia, an independent, community-based charity, veterinarians identify 33.5% of dogs as overweight, 8% of which are obese. This makes it all the more important to have a closer look at your pet’s weight and health.
Looking at the signs of weight trouble can be quite simple. You should consider the following:
- Breed – some dogs naturally eat more than other breeds
- Age – metabolism slows down for pets as they age
- Neuter status – hormonal shift after neutering risks obesity in dogs due to increased appetite, despite limited or decreased activity
Use the Body Condition Score (BCS) chart developed by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention to assess your pet’s shape more accurately:
What are common causes of weight gain in dogs?
Prevention is always better than cure, so it’s best to closely monitor your pet’s intake and avoid the following:
- Overfeeding
Your pet’s need for food increases as they grow, but sudden increases in their meal sizes can easily add excess calories. To prevent this, measure the portions of food you give to your pets.
Introducing your pet to new food? Here’s a guide to gradually transitioning to different pet food!
- Treats overload
It’s normal to want to spoil your dogs with all the treats they deserve, but these can easily increase their calories beyond what’s recommended. As much as you want to reward that amazing new trick, treats should always be given in moderation.
- Lack of exercise
Like in humans, exercise works wonders for dogs, too! Physical activities help them use all the energy they get from food, allowing them to engage in more activities and manage weight gain.
- Age, breed, and medical factors
Some dog breeds like the Labradors, Dachshunds, and Beagles, are biologically inclined to gain weight more easily. And as they age, their energy decreases while their appetite stays the same.
Other dogs with hypothyroidism, arthritis, and other medical conditions are also at increased risk of obesity due to a difference in their metabolism.
Why does weight management matter in dogs?
A healthy weight for dogs lowers the risk of many chronic and life-threatening conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart and respiratory diseases, and even cancer.
Because excess weight adds strain on vital organs, keeping your pet’s weight within a healthy range helps support proper organ function and promotes better overall health in the long run.
Dogs at a healthy weight can enjoy improved mobility and higher energy levels. Without excess weight holding them back, they can move more freely with less strain on their muscles and joints. This allows them to stay active, build muscle strength, and develop better endurance.
Weight-related conditions can require medication and special care, which can become costly over time. By managing your dog’s weight proactively, you can help prevent these issues before they arise, potentially saving on time, money, and energy.
How to build a healthy weight-loss plan
Building a healthy routine doesn’t happen overnight. It includes maintaining sustainable habits that meet your pet’s needs. The first step should always be having a chat with your veterinarian if you are unsure or suspect your pet is overweight to work out the best plan together.
Nutrition First
Reducing portion sizes alone isn’t enough. Even smaller meals must still provide the right balance of nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.
- Measure meals properly – use measuring cups to follow food guidelines based on your dog’s ideal weight.
- Choose the right dog food – consider your dog’s age, size, and activity level to meet their nutritional needs.
- Swap treats with smarter rewards – instead of high-calorie snacks, use healthier options like small pieces of apple, carrots, or beans as treats – check with your veterinarian if you are unsure on the best reward / treat option for your pet.
Safe, Sustainable Exercise
Proper meal planning is most effective if partnered with the right exercise for your dog’s fitness level.
- Starting slow – short, gentle walks are a good start to gradually increase your dog’s stamina and eventually help them get used to more intense exercises.
- Consistent mental enrichment – aside from walks, playtime and mental enrichment activities also help burn energy while preventing boredom or routine fatigue.
By combining balanced meals with safe and sustainable exercise, you can help your dog achieve steady weight loss and reduce the long-term health risks associated with obesity.
Work with your vet
Vets can help create a safe, effective, and comfortable meal and exercise plan for your furry friends.
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Rule out medical concerns
The right plan for your dog needs to consider their age, breed, and of course, their overall health. So, before starting any weight-loss program, it’s important to check for any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your dog’s weight gain.
Set realistic goals
When it comes to weight loss, slow and steady is best. No need to rush! Healthy progress can be achieved at a slow and steady pace.
Your veterinarian knows best when it comes to setting realistic goals for your pet dog. Ask about a safe percentage of body weight or body fat loss per week that will help your dog stay motivated throughout the process.
Monitor progress
Regular monthly weight assessments can be done to ensure that your dog’s current plan is working. These regular check-ins will also allow you to adjust their meals and activities if necessary.
Pet parenting tips for every dog mum or dog dad
By understanding underlying causes of weight gain in your dogs, monitoring their meals, and encouraging an active lifestyle, you can help your pets achieve their optimal health.
Communicating with a veterinarian allows for a tailored health plan for your dog. When combined with an extensive Pet Insurance provider like Knose, you can add on a wellness plan that supports proactive, preventive care.
Our goal? To make Australian pets the happiest and healthiest in the world! Having Pet Insurance in place may add a layer of financial support if your dog falls ill or gets injured. Every plan comes with round-the-clock vet nurse support for all your pet health questions
Disclaimer: Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) at knose.com.au. Distributor – Knose.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 70 680 822 986, AR 1311940), AFSL holder – ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735, AFSL 536651). Insurer – Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921). Any advice is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs.
