Obesity and being overweight have emerged as the most important disease processes in dogs today. The perils of obesity are far-reaching. It shortens dogs’ lives and can contribute to chronic inflammatory pain.

The good news is that obesity is preventable. More good news is that, even if a dog is overweight or obese, the disease can be reversed, normal body condition can be restored, and life expectancy can return to normal.

Why is obesity so widespread in dogs?

Several factors of our western lifestyle, across North America, contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity in dogs. Many dogs no longer work for a living. They do not herd cattle or sheep, hunt or retrieve game, or rescue lost hikers in the mountains or deserts. Also, most dog owners spend much of their day outside the home, which further limits how much time their pets can spend outdoors in play or exercise activities.

"Over time, pet food manufacturers have gradually increased the energy density of diets, so more products are available with more calories per cup or can."

Over time, pet food manufacturers have gradually increased the energy density of diets, so more products are available with more calories per cup or can. In addition, when dogs are permitted to eat free choice (when food is left in the bowl all day), it is easy for dogs to eat more calories than they need. The bottom line is that, when calories taken in exceed calories expended, weight gain is inevitable, leading to overweight and obese dogs.

How does being overweight or obese contribute to pain in my dog?

Being overweight or obese sets the stage for joint damage and osteoarthritis (OA), leading to chronic pain. Until recently, veterinarians thought that the increased pain and inflammation associated with OA in overweight and obese dogs was primarily due to increased wear and tear on the joints.

We now know that fat tissue is biologically active and secretes hormones and other chemicals that cause inflammation, which is part of the pain associated with OA and joint disease. Being overweight or obese contributes to this vicious cycle. For more information, see handout “Overweight, Obesity and Pain in Dogs: Overview”.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming obese in the first place?

Here are some effective strategies for preventing dogs from becoming overweight or obese:

1. Feed an appropriate diet. Ask your veterinarian to help you choose the most appropriate food for your dog’s life stage and health. For more information on feeding your dog, see the handout "Nutrition: General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs".

• Puppies need food formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of growth, rather than an all-purpose product. Large-breed puppies need a different nutrient profile than small-breed puppies, in order to grow more slowly and minimize the risk of orthopedic problems later in life. Your family veterinarian can recommend the best age to transition from a puppy formula to an adult food. 
• Adult dogs have different needs from puppies, so a puppy formulation is not the best choice for them. 
• Senior dogs change and age at different rates, and many require a nutrient profile that’s different from the adult food they’ve eaten for years. Senior dogs should be evaluated and fed as individuals. 
• Dogs with certain health conditions or diseases may have unique nutritional requirements. 

2. Provide measured portions. Portion control is critical. Labels on dog food bags and cans tend to overestimate the amount of food a dog needs to eat each day, so ask your veterinarian for a portion recommendation, and stick to it.

3. Choose specific mealtimes, and be consistent. Dogs learn quickly when food is available and when it is not. Sticking to specific mealtimes will minimize what you may perceive as begging behavior.

4. Consider interactive feeding toys. These toys, or enrichment feeders, are designed to allow dogs to work for their food. Dogs that must work a puzzle or search and sniff for food tend to eat more slowly, which also requires them to expend a few more calories.

5. Increase activity. Increase your dog’s daily amount of activity to expend some calories. Walking your dog is a great way to blend the business of weight management with the pleasure of time outside. Other calorie-burning, dog-bonding activities include playing a game of fetch, taking your dog on a run, or swimming (but be safe around water and do not force your dog to swim if they don’t want to). Be sure to clear any high-intensity activities with your veterinarian, and steadily build up endurance. You can directly benefit from increasing your dog’s activity, because it means you increase your own activity. 

8. Track their body condition. Your veterinary healthcare team can assess your dog’s body and muscle condition score at each visit. Regular assessments help you keep track of your dog’s condition; if your dog is heavy, your veterinarian can provide an estimated ideal body weight to use as a guide during weight loss.

9. Schedule weigh-ins. Accountability keeps us honest. Schedule regular weigh-ins (monthly or every other month) at your veterinarian’s office to track both weight and body condition score in your dog’s medical record. Trends up or down can be identified early, and minor feeding adjustments can be made. Minor modifications are always easier to make than major transformations.

What is the take-home message?

By preventing our dogs from becoming overweight or obese, we can help prevent them from developing osteoarthritis or joint damage. Fat tissue plays an active role in perpetuating inflammation and chronic pain. Reversing overweight or obesity in dogs is truly a pain prevention and management technique. By committing to a little more play time each day, and carefully monitoring calorie intake, dog owners can help their overweight or obese dog gradually slim down to a more ideal weight and body condition. This commitment will pay dividends as the dog lives its best life for as long as physically possible.