Is Your Dog Overweight? A Straight-Talking Guide to Canine Obesity

We’ve all been there—your dog gives you that look while you’re eating dinner, and before you know it, you’ve handed over half a sausage. One treat becomes two, then three, and somehow, their evening walk keeps getting a bit shorter. It happens. But what often creeps up quietly is weight gain. And unfortunately, obesity in dogs isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can shave years off their life and make even the simple things, like a walk to the park, a struggle.

In this post, we’ll break down how to tell if your dog is a healthy weight, what to watch out for, how age and activity level affect their needs, and what you can do if your dog is tipping the scales too far. No nonsense, no fluff—just practical advice you can actually use.

Why Weight Matters More Than You Think

Carrying extra weight can put serious strain on a dog’s joints, heart, and internal organs. It can make them less mobile, more prone to injuries, and more susceptible to conditions like diabetes, arthritis, respiratory issues and even certain cancers.

And while a chunky dog might get a few laughs on social media, what’s often going on under the surface is no joke. A bit of overfeeding here and there might seem harmless, but over time it adds up—and so does the risk.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight (Without Guesswork)

Forget the idea that dogs come in all shapes and sizes. While that’s true to a point, every breed (and crossbreed) has an ideal weight range and body shape. That doesn’t mean your dog needs to match some impossible standard—it just means their body should be working with them, not against them.

The Body Condition Score (BCS)

The most reliable way to check your dog’s weight without a scale is to use the Body Condition Score. This is a hands-on, visual system vets use that ranks your dog on a scale of 1 to 9:

• 1–3: Too thin. Ribs, spine and hip bones are clearly visible. No fat coverage.

• 4–5: Ideal. You can feel the ribs with light pressure. The waist is visible from above, and the belly tucks up when viewed from the side.

• 6–7: Overweight. Ribs are hard to feel, waist is less visible, tummy sags slightly.

• 8–9: Obese. No waist, belly hangs, ribs can’t be felt, and fat deposits are obvious around the chest, back and base of the tail.

You don’t need to be a vet to give your dog a quick body check. Stand over them—can you see a waist? Run your hands down their sides—can you feel ribs without digging in? Look from the side—does their tummy tuck up? If you’re answering “no” to these, it might be time for a closer look.

Weight Looks Different at Every Life Stage

Dogs, just like people, have different needs at different stages of life. A young, bouncy pup has very different energy demands than a 10-year-old Labrador who’s more interested in napping than chasing balls.

Here’s how to think about weight depending on age and activity:

Puppies and Adolescents

Puppies burn through energy like it’s going out of style. They’re growing rapidly, and most of what they eat is fuelling that development. As a result, they can appear lean (even a little ribby), and that’s okay. In fact, it’s better for them to be slightly underweight than overweight during growth, because carrying too much weight too young puts stress on developing bones and joints.

That said, growth should be consistent, and puppies should be weighed regularly. Overfeeding can easily happen if you follow food guidelines on packaging without adjusting for your specific dog’s breed, size and energy output.

Adult Dogs

Once your dog hits full maturity—anywhere between 9 months and 2 years depending on the breed—it’s time to keep a closer eye on weight. Adult dogs’ metabolism slows down, and their energy needs will stabilise. If they keep eating like they’re still growing, the extra calories will start to stick.

For working dogs or highly active breeds, they may need a higher calorie intake. But for the average pet dog, who gets a couple of daily walks and a bit of play, food needs to be adjusted to avoid weight creeping up.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs are especially prone to weight gain. They tend to slow down, lose muscle mass, and burn fewer calories. But the mistake many people make is keeping their feeding the same as when the dog was younger. It’s no surprise that their bodies start storing the extra as fat.

Senior dogs often develop mobility issues, which makes carrying extra weight even harder on them. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about comfort. If your older dog is struggling to get up, panting on short walks or reluctant to play, weight might be part of the problem.

Common Signs Your Dog Might Be Overweight

Apart from using the Body Condition Score, here are a few behavioural or physical signs that may indicate your dog is carrying too much weight:

• They get tired easily or pant excessively after minimal activity

• You’ve had to loosen their collar or harness more than once

• You can’t feel their ribs or spine without applying pressure

• They no longer have a defined waist when viewed from above

• They’re reluctant to jump up, go upstairs, or run

Remember, some of these signs can also point to health issues unrelated to weight—so if you’re ever unsure, a vet check is the right move.

The Main Causes of Weight Gain in Dogs

Dogs don’t gain weight in a vacuum. There’s usually a clear cause (or a few). Here’s what to watch for:

1. Overfeeding

This is the biggest culprit by far. Whether it’s oversized portions, too many treats, or regular table scraps, dogs often eat more than they need—especially if food is used to show affection.

2. Lack of Exercise

Modern dogs, especially those living in cities or small homes, often don’t get the physical activity they need. A couple of short walks a day might not cut it, especially for energetic breeds.

3. Neutering/Spaying

Dogs that have been neutered or spayed often experience a decrease in metabolism. This doesn’t mean they will get fat, but it does mean you might need to adjust food and exercise accordingly.

4. Health Issues

Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can cause weight gain. So can some medications. If your dog’s weight seems to be climbing despite normal feeding and exercise, a vet check is essential.

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight (Without Making Life Miserable)

Helping your dog slim down doesn’t mean starving them or cutting out all fun. It’s about small, consistent changes that add up over time.

1. Measure Their Food

Stop free-feeding or eyeballing portions. Use a proper measuring cup or scale, and feed based on your dog’s ideal weight, not their current one.

2. Reduce Treats (or Switch Them Out)

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. Swap high-calorie biscuits for low-fat, low-calorie options—think green beans, carrot sticks, or small bits of lean meat.

3. Increase Exercise Gradually

Start small, especially if your dog has been inactive. Add an extra short walk, play a bit more fetch, or try some low-impact games at home.

4. Switch to a Weight Management Food

There are quality dog foods formulated for weight control. They’re lower in fat but still satisfying. Make any changes gradually, over about 7–10 days, to avoid tummy upsets.

5. Track Progress

Weigh your dog regularly—monthly is a good target. You don’t need a fancy dog scale; you can weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your dog, and subtract the difference.

What If You’re Not Sure?

You don’t have to guess. Your vet can help you determine your dog’s ideal weight and advise a safe plan if they need to lose a few kilos. Many vet practices offer free weight clinics where nurses can support you along the way.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for them. It’s not about vanity or perfection. It’s about making sure they’re comfortable, mobile, and living their best life for as long as possible.

No guilt, no shame—it’s easy to let things slide. But the good news is, with a bit of effort and consistency, dogs respond really well to weight loss plans. You’ll often see improvements in their mood, energy and overall health within weeks.

So next time you’re tempted to hand over that extra snack “just because,” take a moment. They’d rather have a longer walk with you than an extra biscuit. And when they’re still bounding around well into old age, you’ll know it was worth it.