Is My Dog Overweight? A Vetʼs Guide to Healthy Weight

Weight issues in dogs are more common than many pet parents realise.

Even a solid build or a thick coat can hide extra kilos, and some breeds are simply more prone to gaining weight. Because dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, itʼs not always easy to judge whatʼs healthy by numbers alone.

In fact, more than 40% of Australian dogs are considered overweight or obese. And while a few extra kilos might not seem like much, they can put real stress on your dogʼs joint health, heart, and overall health.

This guide unpacks why dogs gain weight, how to spot the signs, what your vet looks for in an assessment, and the small, safe steps that can help your dog reach a healthier weight.

Weight gain usually comes down to an imbalance between calories in and calories out, but the reasons behind that imbalance vary.

Overfeeding and calorie-dense diets are the most common culprits for canine obesity and weight gain. Dry dog food can be easy to over-pour if not measured out correctly, and table scraps quickly add up.

It's common, particularly when treats are given frequently without accounting for them in the overall diet.

Some other influencing factors:

• Lack of exercise is another driver. According to vets, while physical activity burns calories and improves muscle mass, weight loss primarily depends on reducing the calories consumed. Overweight dogs should engage in low- impact activities like swimming or short walks to preserve muscle mass, which helps burn more calories.
• Life stage changes matter too. Neutered and middle-aged dogs have slower metabolisms and are more prone to weight gain.
• Medical conditions like hypothyroidism or arthritis reduce calorie burn and activity levels.
• Breed predispositions play a role. Labradors, Beagles, Pugs, and Dachshunds are well-known for being prone to obesity.

Understanding these factors helps parents and vets tailor the right plan for prevention and treatment.

Recognising obesity in dogs early allows for timely intervention. Regular assessments, including weight checks, are vital for tracking trends and making adjustments as needed.

• Feel the ribs: they should be easy to feel with light pressure. If you have to press hard, your dog is likely overweight.
• Look for a waistline: from above, there should be a clear inward curve behind the ribs.
• Check the belly: from the side, the abdomen should slope upward toward the hips, not hang low.
• Watch behaviour and mobility: dogs carrying extra weight may struggle with stairs, tire easily on walks, or lose interest in play.

If in doubt, use these checks as a guide but confirm with your vet at the next appointment.

Thereʼs no one “ideal numberˮ for all dogs. A healthy Dachshund may weigh 6kg, while a healthy German Shepherd may weigh 30kg or more. Even within the same breed, males and females can differ.

Vets rely on the Body Condition Score (BCS), a valuable tool for assessing your dogʼs weight. Signs of an overweight dog on the BCS scale include difficulty feeling the ribs, a lack of a visible waist, and fat deposits.

• 5 is ideal. Ribs are easy to feel, the waist is visible from above, and the belly tucks up from the side.
• 6-7 indicates overweight. Ribs are harder to feel, fat deposits may appear, and the waistline is less defined.
• 8-9 signals obesity. Ribs are difficult to detect under fat, the waistline disappears, and the belly sags.

As a rule of thumb, a dog that is 10-20% above their ideal body weight is overweight, and more than 20% above is obese.

If weight gain persists despite significant dietary changes, consult your vet. Issues like hypothyroidism can make weight loss difficult. Signs of hypothyroidism include lethargy, a dull coat, hair loss, or a pot-bellied appearance.

Obesity is a widespread issue among dogs and has become even more common in recent years. While the rise of reward-based training methods has positively reinforced good behaviour, they often involve frequent use of treats.

Obesity in dogs is linked to several serious health conditions:

• Joint Pain and Dog Arthritis: Excess weight adds stress to joints, increasing pain and mobility problems.
• Heart Disease: Carrying additional weight strains a dogʼs cardiovascular system.
• Diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes.
• Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushingʼs disease can exacerbate weight gain or make weight loss difficult.

Addressing obesity is essential for improving a dogʼs overall health and preventing these complications.

Veterinarians use a structured approach to confirm whether a dog is overweight and to build a safe weight management plan.

• Physical exam and visual assessment come first. Vets feel for ribs, check the waistline, and note fat deposits along the abdomen, spine, and face.
• Body Condition Score (BCS) charts standardise this process. On the 9-point scale, 5 is ideal, 6-7 is overweight, and 8-9 is obese.
• Weight history provides context. Comparing todayʼs number to previous weigh-ins helps identify gradual trends that owners may not notice.
• Bloodwork may be recommended to rule out or detect conditions linked to weight changes.
• Caloric goals are calculated so pet parents know exactly how many calories per day their dog needs for safe weight loss or maintenance.
• Therapeutic weight loss diets may be prescribed when obesity is severe or linked to other health conditions.

This assessment provides more than a label — itʼs the starting point for a tailored plan.

Itʼs often at this stage that vets recommend moving onto a dedicated weight- management food, which we cover in the Best Dog Food for Weight Loss in Australia guide.

Helping your dog lose weight involves a combination of controlled diet, appropriate exercise, and consistent monitoring. A slow and steady approach often leads to the best results.

Exercise is important for maintaining your dogʼs physical and mental health. However, as vets emphasise, exercise alone isnʼt enough for weight loss—diet is the most crucial factor. For overweight dogs, especially those with joint issues, low-impact activities like short walks or swimming are best. Gradually increasing activity can prevent injury and improve overall fitness.

Physiotherapy exercises are also valuable for dogs with limited mobility. These exercises help maintain muscle mass, which in turn supports calorie burning.

Diet is the cornerstone of any weight-loss program. A vet-recommended approach might include:

• Calorie Reduction: Work with your vet to determine your dogʼs ideal daily calorie intake.
• Switching Foods: Specialised weight-loss dog foods, such as those designed for obesity management or satiety, can make a big difference.
• Transition to Wet Dog Food: For some dogs, switching from dry to wet food can improve satiety and calorie control.

Regular weigh-ins, ideally through a clinicʼs weight-loss program, can provide accountability and ensure progress. Collaboration with your vet will help tailor the diet plan to your dogʼs specific needs and track their progress effectively.

Regularly monitoring your dogʼs weight is a crucial part of a successful weight- loss journey. Consistent tracking helps identify whatʼs working and highlights when adjustments are necessary to keep your dog on track.

Weigh your dog at least once a month to monitor progress. Many veterinary clinics offer weight-loss programs with regular weigh-ins and muscle mass evaluations, which can provide invaluable support.

When weighing your dog at home:

• Use a scale designed for pets or weigh yourself while holding your dog, then subtract your weight.
• Ensure consistency by weighing your dog at the same time of day and under similar conditions, such as before meals.

A slow and steady weight loss of 1-2% of body weight per week is ideal. Rapid weight loss can lead to health issues, so itʼs essential to consult your vet if your dog is losing weight too quickly.

As your dog sheds weight, their calorie and activity needs will change. Work with your vet to adjust feeding portions, exercise routines, and treat allowances. If progress stalls, consider these steps:

• Reassess Caloric Intake: Weight-loss plateaus often mean itʼs time to reduce calories further.
• Increase Low-Impact Exercise: Add short walks, swimming, or interactive play to burn extra calories.
• Investigate Underlying Issues: If your dog struggles to lose weight despite adherence to the plan, consult your vet to rule out medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushingʼs disease.

Remember, weight management is an ongoing process. Regular adjustments ensure that the plan evolves with your dogʼs changing needs.

Partnering with your veterinarian is essential for a safe and effective weight-loss program. They can provide expert guidance, monitor your dogʼs progress, and address any underlying health issues.

Seek veterinary advice if:

• Your dogʼs weight doesnʼt improve despite consistent calorie restriction and exercise.
• Youʼre unsure how much food or which type of diet is best for your dog.
• Your dog has mobility issues, joint pain, or other health conditions that may impact their weight-loss journey.

Veterinarians can recommend tailored diets, such as prescription weight-loss foods, and suggest appropriate exercise routines for your dogʼs age, breed, and health status.

Weight management doesnʼt end once your dog reaches their target weight. Maintaining those results requires ongoing commitment to balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and routine monitoring.

Establishing consistent habits helps prevent weight regain. Focus on:

• Portion Control: Always measure your dogʼs food to avoid overfeeding.
• Healthy Treats: Choose low-calorie options like carrots or green beans for rewards.
• Daily Exercise: Maintain regular physical activity tailored to your dogʼs fitness level.

Involving the whole family is key to success. Make sure everyone understands the importance of sticking to the plan and avoiding sneaky treats that can undermine progress.

Dogsʼ nutritional and activity needs change over time, so itʼs important to periodically reassess their routine:

• Annual Check-Ups: Consult your vet during routine visits to discuss your dogʼs weight and overall health.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Modify activity levels and portion sizes as your dog ages or if their health changes.

By staying vigilant, you can keep your dog lean and healthy for years to come.

In my clinic, weʼve seen some truly inspiring weight-loss success stories, and one of my favourites is a Labrador who came to us weighing 42kg with no visible waistline. Through our nurse-led weight-loss program, which included a tailored diet plan and regular, low-impact exercise, we helped him reach a healthy 30kg.

The transformation was incredible—not only did he regain a defined waist, but his energy levels skyrocketed. He was happier, more active, and the long-term benefits of shedding that extra 12kg have been life-changing, particularly for reducing strain on his joints and heart.

This case shows the effectiveness of a personalised, consistent approach. With patience, the right guidance, and support from a dedicated veterinary team, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is absolutely possible.

If youʼre concerned about your petʼs weight, speak to your vet—weʼre here to help start your dogʼs success story!

This article was written by Dr. Jane Miller