Facts About Dog Obesity
Obesity is one of the TOP HEALTH RISKS in America*
53% of dogs in America are overweight or obese*
Overweight and obese dogs have an increased risk of:*
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Breathing Problems
- Osteoarthritis Pain
- Shortened Life Expectancy
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Kidney Disease
Nearly half of dog owners incorrectly identified their overweight or obese dogs as "normal weight".**
Healthy-weight pets can live up to 2.5 years longer than overweight pets
Why are our dogs getting overweight?
Factors that cause obesity in pets:
- Access to too much food
- Poor quality food
- Too many treats
- Not enough exercise or play time
For a Chihuahua that should weigh 5 pounds, each extra pound is about the same as an extra 30 pounds for a 5'9" man.*
What's in a treat?*
- To a medium-sized dog, one cookie can be the equivalent to eating a whole hamburger for you!
- A premium pig ear to a 40-pound dog is the equivalent of six 12-ounce colas to an adult human.
- A typical dog biscuit to a 20-pound dog is the equivalent of two double stuffed sandwich cookies to an average person.
What the ideal weight looks like
- Your dog's ribs should be slightly visible and easily felt behind the shoulder blades.
- Looking from the side, the abdomen (just above the hind legs) should look 'tucked up' compared to the chest.
- Looking from above, the abdomen should be slimmer than the chest and the hips, forming an hourglass figure.
- See our breed information to find out the ideal weight for your dog's breed.
Small and medium dogs can be weighed at home by holding them with you on a scale, and then subtracting your weight from the total. Talk with your veterinarian to find out if your dog is overweight and get a recommended weight management plan.
* Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
** Ward E. and Peterson M "Pet Obesity Rates Rise, Cats Heavier than Ever." 2013.