Monitor — routine vet appointment
Overweight dog — health risks and what to do
Overweight dogs face shorter lives and higher disease risk — book a weight check with the vet nurse for a structured plan.
Recognise the signs
- Cannot easily feel ribs
- No visible waist
- Pot belly
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Reluctance to exercise
First aid steps
- Vet weight check and body condition score.
- Bloods to rule out underlying disease.
- Structured calorie-controlled plan.
Do NOT
- Do not crash-diet.
- Do not feed human leftovers.
- Do not assume slow weight loss isn't working — 1-2% per week is healthy.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Suspected underlying disease
- Severe obesity affecting mobility
Common causes
- Overfeeding, excess treats
- Reduced exercise
- Neutering without diet adjustment
- Underlying disease (rare — Cushing's, hypothyroidism)
What the vet will need to know
- Current weight, ideal weight
- Diet — brand, amount, treats
- Exercise routine
- Other conditions
Aftercare
- Calorie-controlled prescription diet often most effective.
- Regular weigh-ins (free at most vet nurses).
- Treat allowance worked into total calories.
- Increase exercise gradually.
Prevention
- Measure food, don't eyeball.
- Limit treats to 10% of daily calories.
- Adjust portions after neutering.
- Annual weight checks.
Breed-specific notes
- Easy weight gain: Labrador, Beagle, Cavalier, Pug, Dachshund.
Frequently asked questions
How long does weight loss take?
Typically 6-12 months for a structured plan. Slow and steady protects muscle.
Can my dog have treats?
Yes — within calorie allowance. Vegetable treats (carrot, broccoli) are low-calorie alternatives.
Will exercise alone do it?
Diet matters more than exercise for weight loss. Both together work best.