Obesity
Also called: Overweight, excess adiposity
- Dogs
- Weight & metabolism
- Adult / Senior
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association classifies canine obesity as a disease. A dog is generally considered overweight at roughly 15% above ideal body weight and obese at more than 30% above. Excess fat predisposes to osteoarthritis, diabetes, and certain cancers, and can shorten lifespan.
Signs to look for
- Difficulty feeling the ribs under a layer of fat
- Loss of a visible waist when viewed from above
- Reduced activity, stamina, or breathlessness
How a vet diagnoses it
Your vet will assign a body condition score (commonly a 9-point scale, where 6+ is overweight and 7–9 obese) and track weight over time.
Treatment
A vet-supervised weight-loss plan combining measured calorie restriction with exercise. Ongoing veterinary support matters, as success rates without it are modest.
Monitoring at home
Regular weigh-ins and body condition scoring. Obesity is reversible with sustained management.
Who tends to get it
Middle-aged to older dogs, neutered dogs, and certain breeds (Labradors and other retrievers, French Bulldogs). Australian overweight/obesity prevalence has been reported at around a quarter of pet dogs — treat as approximate.
This library is educational reference only. It is designed to help you learn about health conditions your pet may have been diagnosed with — it does not interpret your pet's symptoms, cannot diagnose, and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Cats and dogs often hide illness well, so signs can be subtle. Any new, persistent, or worsening sign warrants a vet visit.