What are the signs that my dog is overweight?

Extra weight tends to creep up gradually in dogs, which is exactly why it's easy to miss in your own dog even when it's obvious in someone else's. Here's how vets actually measure it, the everyday signs to watch for, and what tends to help.

Dogs and overweight: what is the Body Condition Score?

You have probably heard of the BMI (Body Mass Index), the widely used method for assessing a person's weight in relation to their height, which helps determine whether their weight falls within a healthy range. For animals, there is a similar measure, known as the BCS, or Body Condition Score. This nine-point scoring system was developed and validated specifically for dogs, running from very thin to obese, and gives vets a repeatable way to assess body condition beyond just a number on a scale [1].

5 signs to recognise if your dog is overweight

You can recognise obesity in a dog by various signs such as:

• A visible belly
• The lack of a defined waist
• Difficulty moving or breathing
• Reduced energy or playfulness
• Joint problems

As a result, your dog may find it difficult to get up or climb stairs. A visit to the veterinarian can help determine your dog's weight and health.

Observe your dog to see if they are overweight

Overweight dogs often display similar characteristics. They are usually plumper and have a constant urge to eat. You can often recognise an overweight dog by the fact that they get out of breath quickly, walk more slowly, struggle to run, show little interest in physical activities and have difficulty tolerating heat.

It's actually quite easy to tell if your dog is overweight, but it's often hard to admit it. Although the rib cage can serve as an indication, this isn't a hard and fast rule. Some dogs are simply larger or smaller than the breed standard, which can be perfectly normal.

What to do if your dog is overweight?

If your dog is overweight, it is important to get their health back on track. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Consult your veterinarian: before making any changes, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can determine how overweight your dog is, whether there are any underlying issues, and can draw up a tailored plan

2. Adjust their nutrition: reduce the amount of food, but ensure your dog is still getting enough nutrients. Feed your dog two to three meals a day instead of one, so they have a regular feeding schedule

3. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of walks so that your dog burns more calories. Start with short walks and build them up. Use your dog's favourite toy when playing with them outside or in the garden. This makes it more fun for your dog to stay active.

4. Weigh your dog regularly to see if there is any progress. If there is no change, you can always consult the veterinarian again, further adjust the diet and increase the intensity of exercise.

5. Avoid snacks. Do not give your dog any extra treats or human nutrition. This can hinder weight loss.

Fewer carbohydrates and more protein

Carbohydrates cause weight gain. When buying pet food, make sure to check that it doesn't contain too many carbohydrates. If you want your dog to lose weight with a healthy diet, it's important to ensure that the food doesn't contain carbohydrates such as grains, rice, maize or wheat. Make sure there's enough protein in your dog's food. Protein plays important roles in the body, for both humans and animals. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.

Some dogs are more prone to becoming overweight

Not every dog processes food in the same way to produce energy. Factors such as breed, age, activity level and health can have a major impact on your dog's weight. Neutered dogs often have a slower metabolism, which makes it easier for them to put on weight. Certain breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Bassets and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are also often at greater risk of becoming overweight. Dogs taking medication or who are less active due to medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can also gain weight more quickly. It is essential to take these factors into account when managing your dog's weight.

Weighing your dog helps to determine whether your dog is overweight

In the table below, you can view the average weight range for the 15 most common dog breeds in Belgium. These values are intended as guidelines and may vary depending on the individual dog and its specific build. It is important to monitor your dog's health and not focus solely on weight