When I adopted my Beagle, Olivia, the rescue group said she could benefit from losing a couple of pounds. We weren’t dealing with canine obesity or other health problems, Olivia just had to drop from 30lbs to 28lbs.
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It sounded easy. But now 8 years later, Olivia weighs 38lbs. The extra pounds are slowly limiting her mobility. My sweet little dog has trouble getting up from the floor and her front legs are so stiff when she walks, it looks like she’s marching.
My veterinarian says that obesity in dogs is growing and that up to 65% of canines in the United States have a weight problem. The condition impacts their overall health and, most critically, their ability to move.
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How Olivia became overweight
The experts say that dogs gain weight from a combination of overfeeding and lack of exercise. In Olivia’s case, she goes for a 30 minute walk every morning with her neighborhood dog friends and we keep her active in the evening with foraging games and dog puzzles. (She will not play ball).
Some of Olivia’s weight “problem” comes from a bad liver and from being a Beagle. Like most Beagles, she has an extraordinary sense of smell and an insatiable appetite. If there’s a dog treat in the house, she’ll walk you over to the bag, all evening long.
That said, I realize Olivia needs to exercise more and cut out the snacks. Her lifestyle is setting the stage for significant health problems.
How obesity impacts a dog’s health
Excess weight in dogs places stress on nearly every organ in their bodies. Here are some of the ways obesity effects your dog’s health:
- Mobility and Stress on Joints – Being overweight increases the load on your dog’s skeletal system, particularly the joints. These extra pounds speed up the wear and tear of cartilage, which can lead to osteoarthritis. Dogs with arthritis experience pain, joint stiffness and a reduced willingness to move around.
- Shortened Lifespan – Studies show that obesity can reduce a dog’s lifespan by up to 2 years. This is often due to developing diseases like diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
- Inflammation – Fat tissue doesn’t just store energy; it releases inflammatory hormones that can worsen chronic pain and disease.
Medical conditions tied to obesity in dogs
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common mobility-related conditions in overweight dogs. (This is what Olivia has). The added weight leads to quicker joint deterioration. It causes pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Over time, the condition can severely limit your dog’s quality of life.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD is a degenerative condition of the spine where the discs in your dog’s back rupture. This leads to severe pain, nerve damage and often, paralysis. Obesity increases the likelihood of IVDD developing, especially in breeds that are predisposed to the condition.
These include, Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, Corgis, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Labrador retrievers and more.
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Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries
The CCL is a ligament that ties the back of leg at the knee to the front of the leg. A dog’s knees can become overstressed due to extra weight. This can lead to tears in the knee or ruptures. These injuries are painful and often need surgery to fix them. CCL injuries can be prevented by having your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that’s worsened by obesity. It happens when the hip joint doesn’t develop as it should, leading to pain and mobility problems. Overweight dogs with hip dysplasia are more likely to develop early-onset arthritis and big problems walking and running.
Diabetes
While not directly linked to mobility problems, diabetes can cause weakness in dogs. This compounds the effects of obesity. And untreated diabetes can lead to neuropathy, a numbness in the legs that’s due to nerve damage.
Respiratory Problems
Excess fat around the chest and stomach can make it harder for dogs to breathe. This is especially true for brachycephalic dogs, like Pugs and Bulldogs, that have a short, flat nose and face.
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Heart Disease
Cardiovascular disease caused by being overweight can affect a dog’s energy level and ability to be mobile and active.
How canine obesity affects mobility
Overweight dogs often struggle with basic physical activities like walking, running and playing. Their lack of activity causes reduced stamina, which in turn, makes mobility worse.
Being overweight also changes how a dog walks. This can lead to muscle strains, chronic pain and injuries.
When dogs avoid movement due to pain, their muscles get weak. This is particularly dangerous for senior dogs who are already at risk for muscle loss.
Take action for a healthier future
Obesity is a preventable condition that has far-reaching consequences for your dog’s health and mobility. By keeping your dog in a healthy weight range, you can protect your pet from degenerative conditions and injuries. You can also expand their lifespan and improve their overall quality of health.
Every small step, whether it’s an extra walk or switching to a healthier diet can make a significant difference. Taking action today could mean extra years of a happy, active life for your dog.
Start with these actions:
- 1. Regular Exercise – Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping joints and muscles strong. Aim for daily walks, playtime, and breed-specific activities to meet your dog’s energy needs.
- 2. Balanced Diet – Overfeeding is one of the most common causes of obesity. Work with your veterinarian to establish a feeding plan based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Avoid feeding table scraps and high-calorie treats, and always measure portions. Choose healthy treats like baby carrots and green beans.
- 3. Weight Monitoring – Track your dog’s weight regularly. Even slight fluctuations can indicate whether adjustments to their diet or exercise routine are necessary.
- 4. Veterinary Checkups – Routine veterinary visits can help identify weight-related issues early. Your vet may recommend joint supplements, weight-loss diets, or physical therapy if needed.
- 5. Pain Management – For dogs already suffering from obesity-related conditions like arthritis, pain management is essential. Medications, physical therapy, and weight reduction can help improve mobility and quality of life.
- 6. Environmental Adjustments – Make your home more accessible for dogs with mobility challenges. This can include ramps for stairs, orthopedic beds, or nonslip flooring to reduce the risk of injury.
How to help your dog lose weight
Talk with your veterinarian
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to assess your dog’s current weight, health status and any underlying conditions that may be contributing to obesity.
Adjust portion sizes
Many dogs gain weight simply because they’re fed too much food. Here are tips for portion control:
Follow the feeding guidelines on dog food packages. Most have portion sizes that are based on a dog’s weight and level of activity.
Use a measuring cup. Don’t rely on estimating how much food you are serving. Grab a measuring cup for accuracy.
Split meals. Divide the portions into 2 or 3 smaller servings. This will prevent your dog from getting hungry and begging for food.
Choose the right food
You might want to switch to a weight-management formula to reduce the number of calories your dog is eating. Look for low-calorie, high-fiber foods. High-protein diets are helpful too. They support your dog’s muscles while losing weight.
Limit treats and snacks
Treats can be a big contributor of calories for your dog. You can manage this by offering low-calorie treats like baby carrots and green beans.
Updates
In the coming weeks, I hope to implement these techniques for Olivia. Look for my updates about her journey to lose weight and stay healthy. And please share your results in the comment section.
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