Dog weight loss: a vet’s guide to helping your pup get fit 🐾

Reviewed by Dr Nicole Olewinski – BVSc MRCVS

Giving and sharing food is a universal sign of affection across the animal kingdom. So it’s only natural to show your dog love with an extra biscuit here or a bit of your dinner there. Unfortunately, those little acts of kindness can add up fast. Before you know it, your pup looks a bit rounder than they used to, or your vet mentions the word ‘overweight’ at their next check-up.

A dog is classed as overweight once they’re 10-20% above their ideal weight, and obese beyond that. But even a small amount of extra weight can affect their health. We consulted some expert vets to talk us through canine obesity, and how to help your dog shed the extra pounds safely.

According to the PDSA’s 2023 Animal Wellbeing Report, UK vets estimate that nearly half of the nation’s dogs are overweight or obese – yet the vast majority of owners believe their own dog is a healthy weight. It’s an easy thing to overlook, which is exactly why it’s worth a regular check.

And for anything else that crops up during a routine check, it’s reassuring to have dog insurance.

Jump to

• What’s the ideal weight for my dog?
  > How can I tell my dog is overweight?
• Signs and causes of obesity in dogs
  > Why is it important to not let my dog become obese?
• Ways to help your dog lose weight
  > Our expert says: Can’t move or won’t move? Play to your dog’s strengths
  > What to feed your overweight dog
  > How much to feed your dog to lose weight
  > Best exercises for dogs to lose weight
  > Exercising an overweight puppy safely
• How to help an arthritic or elderly dog lose weight
• How long does it take for dogs to lose weight?

What’s the ideal weight for my dog? ⚖️

Not as simple a question as you might think. Ideal weight varies hugely between breeds, and even a standardised weight chart won’t account for your individual dog’s build and frame.

That’s why vets rely on body condition scoring (BCS) instead – rather than just a number on the scales. It’s a quick, hands-on way to assess your dog’s body fat based on what you can see and feel.

The technique factors in both your dog’s body shape and how easy it is to feel certain bones. It takes seconds once you know what you’re looking for, and your vet can talk you through it if you’re unsure.

How can I tell if my dog is overweight? 🐕

Body condition scoring comes down to three quick checks:

• Waist: viewed from above, there should be a neat, visible tuck-in behind the ribs.
• Bones: their ribs, spine, pelvic bones and the base of their tail should all be easy to feel with a light touch, with no padding of fat over the top.
• Tummy: viewed side-on, their belly should slope upwards from chest to hips – not hang level or dip down.

Ideal weight is 4 or 5 on the 9-point body condition score scale; 6 or higher means your dog is overweight. To find out more, check out the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s tool.
Dogs’ weight can drift up and down just like ours, so it’s worth building this into your routine as a monthly habit – a quick once-over before a walk or mealtime is an easy way to remember.

Signs and causes of obesity in dogs 🐾

Using the checks above, your dog might be developing a weight problem if:

• Their waist looks flat or barely tucked in from above
• The base of their tail feels soft or padded with fat
• Their belly doesn’t slope upwards, or even sags a little
• You can’t easily feel their ribs with gentle fingertips
• They’re 10% or more above their ideal weight, which your vet can confirm

As for what causes it in the first place, the usual culprits include:

• Breed – some dogs are simply more prone to piling on weight, including Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles and Pugs
• Consistently being fed more than they burn off
• Regular high-fat food or table scraps
• Hormonal conditions such as Cushing’s disease or an underactive thyroid
• A slowing metabolism, whether from age or neutering
• Conditions like arthritis that make exercise more difficult

Why obesity is such a big deal for dogs 🩺

Carrying extra weight isn’t just about appearances – it raises the risk of some serious conditions, including pancreatitis, diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Where arthritis is already present, excess weight tends to make the pain and stiffness worse, and can speed up how quickly it progresses.

It can also push up blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and – sadly – because of the potential for weight-related health issues, shorten a dog’s life expectancy.

Other risks worth knowing about include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Back and joint problems
• Incontinence and anal gland issues
• Exercise and hot weather intolerance
• Higher risk of anaesthetic and post-operative complications
• Breeding dogs may struggle with whelping and nursing puppies

How to help your dog lose weight 🏃

First stop: your vet. It’s worth booking a check-up to rule out (or confirm) whether an underlying medical condition is contributing to the weight gain, since that changes the plan considerably.
If there’s no medical cause, your vet can help you build a weight-loss plan tailored to your dog. In practice, this usually comes down to a combination of the following:

• Weigh out their daily food allowance. Use this same allowance for treats and training rewards – if you give extra treats, deduct the equivalent from their weighed food rather than adding it on top. The World Pet Obesity Association’s dog feeding calculator is a handy starting point
• Reduce their overall calorie intake
• Feed an age-appropriate diet – large breeds grow for longer than small breeds, but they’re also considered senior earlier
• Switch to a lower-calorie diet – same full tummy, but fewer calories, so less chance of scavenging behaviour
• Set consistent mealtimes, and make sure everyone in the household is in on the plan so nobody accidentally doubles up on feeds
• Change how they’re fed – a scatter feeder, a KONG or a bit of hide-and-seek can slow down mealtimes and add some mental stimulation into the bargain

And, where it’s safe to do so: build in regular, age-appropriate exercise.

If you’re insured with Petgevity, you can also have a free video consultation with a FirstVet vet to talk through what’s right for your individual dog.

Our expert says: “Can’t move or won’t move? Play to your dog’s strengths”

Expert vet Dr Nicole Olewinski says: “All dogs are unique. Try using the things they love to make weight loss more enjoyable. With my own small, geriatric sofa guardians – who are lazy but love being with me – I slowly lengthen walks a little at a time to find the sweet spot… Longer, but not so long it triggers stiffness.

“When reminded to move, they also happily follow me on every tiny errand, to the post box or out with the bins, making movement a bigger part of their day without pushing them too hard.

“For my inquisitive mid-size dog, I got rid of his feeding bowl. No temptation to casually add dog-safe leftovers, just a fun feeding ball which he loves. And when my ball crazy labs grew stiff in later life, I adapted games so they could still join in. Rolling a ball across the carpet (non-slip is important) for a laid-back mid-afternoon game of fetch, minus all the twisting.

“One word of warning: don’t skip weekly weigh-ins! They stop you from convincing yourself you’re making progress when you’re not, and help you gently confront family members who might be sabotaging your efforts.”

What should an overweight dog eat? 🍖

Diets specifically formulated for weight loss help your dog feel fuller while providing fewer calories. Your vet might recommend a specific diet food for a set period – a couple of months is typical – before reassessing how your dog’s progressing towards their ideal weight. 

Snacks are worth a rethink too. Low-calorie options like raw, dog-safe vegetables (carrot is always a popular one) make a good substitute for higher-fat treats. Your dog will, of course, always act like they’d prefer more food – but you’re the one who knows what’s best for them. A walk, a game or some cuddles show the love just as well as a treat would.

How much should I feed my dog to help them lose weight? ⚖️

If your dog’s on a specific diet food, stick to your vet’s guidance on portion sizes and timings.

If not, weigh their food out – every day – rather than estimating by eye. And remember that any treats should come out of that daily allowance rather than being added on top. Swapping some treats for playtime with a favourite toy is a simple way to reward them without the extra calories.

Best exercises for dogs losing weight 🎾

Exercise isn’t just about losing excess weight – it’s about building healthy habits that help your dog maintain a healthy body condition for life. Intensive exercise programmes, such as hydrotherapy, can be a great way to get the ball rolling – particularly for senior dogs with limited mobility.

But long-term success comes from finding ways to build movement into your dog’s daily routine that you can both realistically stick to. The best exercise plan isn’t necessarily the most intensive one – it’s the one that becomes a sustainable part of everyday life.

Begin with two walks a day, gradually building up the distance. Once your dog’s got a bit more stamina, you could branch out into swimming, jogging or agility – whatever keeps things fun and engaging. The goal is a healthy habit, not one that results in stiffness and injuries, so pay attention to what they respond well to, and never push them past their limits.

Exercising an overweight puppy safely 🐶

Puppies need a gentler approach – over-exercising a growing dog can do more harm than good. A good rule of thumb is around five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, until they’re fully grown.

So, for example, a four-month-old puppy would manage a 20-minute walk, twice daily. It’s also worth avoiding stairs until your puppy is at least three months old.

Helping an arthritic or older dog lose weight 🦴

Always speak to your vet before starting a weight-loss plan for an arthritic or older dog – their needs are a bit different, and your vet may suggest:

• Reducing food portions
• Swapping in fats that help your dog feel fuller, like omega-3 fatty acids
• Increasing protein while reducing carbohydrates
• Encouraging regular, low-impact exercise like swimming or gentle walking – hydrotherapy can also be worth asking your vet about for dogs who struggle on land
• Keeping exercise consistent, to maintain fitness and joint range of motion
• Avoiding one very long walk followed by several short, restricted days – steady and consistent beats occasional and intense

How long does dog weight loss take? ⏱️

This varies from dog to dog, but a safe rate of weight loss is around 1% of their body weight per week.

It’s worth resisting the urge to rush things – stick to your vet’s guidance on food and portions, keep your dog active, and use body condition scoring to track progress along the way. Slow and steady will win this particular race.

Help protect your pup from unexpected vet bills with flexible dog insurance from Petgevity.