Is your dog a little too “thick around the middle”? Unfortunately, being overweight can shorten your pet’s lifespan and make them more likely to suffer from breathing difficulties, joint and spinal problems, and organ issues such as pancreatitis.

To help our heavier patients lose excess weight to gain quality of life, we’ve compiled our best practical tips for supporting healthy body condition.

Healthy diet

If your pet is overweight, the first step is to honestly assess what additional cheeky snacks they may be receiving from everyone in the household.

If cutting treats by 80-90% yields no weight improvement after four weeks (or if your pet wasn’t receiving treats to begin with), you should then review their food type and portions. Some pets may do well with strictly measured portions of a high-quality prescription weight loss food (dry and/or tinned), whilst others may respond better to a switch to a nutritionally complete and balanced home-cooked style diet. Ask our vets for personalised recommendations on the healthiest options for your pet.

Appropriate exercise

Unfortunately, heavier pets have a higher risk of dangerous overheating or painful joint injuries if they suddenly launch into activities that their bodies just aren’t used to.

If your pet isn’t currently very physically active, it’s a good idea to build up their exercise regime slowly, starting with short walks in cool conditions or gentle paddles in shallow water. If your dog has any pre-existing health conditions (such as hip dysplasia or arthritis), consult with our experienced vets first.

Weight loss

Whilst reality TV may indicate otherwise, it’s safest for overweight pets to lose weight slowly and steadily, as sudden, drastic weight loss can affect organ health. A good target is a loss of 1-2% of your pet’s bodyweight per week.

For more information on helping your pet to enjoy their healthiest and best life, consult our knowledgeable team.