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Overweight Dogs: Health Risks and How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • 59% of US dogs are overweight or obese.
  • Extra weight can cost up to about two and a half years of life.
  • Use a weight-loss diet, not just less of the usual food.
  • Weigh food on a scale and keep treats under 10% of calories.
  • Aim for 1% to 2% of body weight a week with your vet's help.

Table of Contents

Research Risks Causes Weight loss plan How fast Keeping it off FAQ Sources

Weight Quicklinks

Weight Chart and Calculator Body Condition Score Overweight Dogs Arthritis Diabetes Hypothyroidism Cushing's Disease

A dog is overweight when it carries about 10% to 20% more than its ideal weight, a body condition score of 6 to 7 out of 9. More than 20% over ideal, a score of 8 to 9, is obese.1,2,3 In a 2022 survey using vet-assessed scores, 59% of US dogs were overweight or obese.3 Extra weight shortens dogs' lives by up to about two and a half years, depending on breed.4,5 It also raises the risk of arthritis and makes it harder for dogs to breathe and exercise.2,6,7 Most weight gain comes from too much food and too many treats. Neutering, genes and some medical conditions or medicines also play a part.2,8,1 The safest way to help a dog lose weight is a vet-supervised plan:7,9

  • A set target weight
  • A therapeutic weight-loss diet rather than less of the usual food
  • Food weighed on a kitchen scale
  • Treats kept under 10% of daily calories
  • Regular weigh-ins
  • A pace of about 1% to 2% of body weight a week

See your vet before starting a diet, and promptly if your dog:

  • Is gaining weight without eating more, or has a swollen belly, hair loss or low energy. These can be signs of hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.1,2
  • Has gained weight on a steroid. Never stop a steroid suddenly without your vet's advice.10
  • Struggles to breathe, tires quickly or can't cope with exercise6,7

What the Research and Guidelines Say

  • Lean dogs live longer. Labradors fed 25% less throughout life lived a median 1.8 years longer and needed arthritis treatment about three years later.11,4
  • Every breed studied paid a price. In a study of 50,787 dogs in 12 breeds, overweight dogs had shorter lives in all of them. The gap was largest in Yorkshire Terriers, about 2.5 years.5
  • Weight loss is hard. Only 61% of obese dogs in one weight clinic reached their target, losing a median 0.7% of body weight a week.12
  • Losing weight improves life. Dogs that reached their target showed more vitality and less pain.13

Health Risks of Being Overweight

  • Shorter life5,11
  • Arthritis and joint problems. Fat cells release inflammatory substances that drive arthritis.2,4
  • Breathing problems, including tracheal collapse7,6
  • Heart changes. In a 2022 study, obese dogs had stiffer, thicker heart muscle. The wall thickness improved somewhat after weight loss, but the stiffness did not.14
  • Insulin resistance. In dogs, obesity makes insulin work less well, but on its own it rarely causes diabetes.15
  • Cruciate ligament tears, back problems, pancreatitis and bladder problems7,1
  • Higher risks with anesthesia1

See arthritis in dogs and diabetes in dogs.

Why Dogs Gain Weight

  • Too much food: free feeding, large portions, treats and table scraps2,7
  • Neutering: neutered dogs, especially females, are more likely to become obese, so they often need less food.8
  • Breed: Pugs had the highest risk in a UK study.16 About 23% of Labradors carry a gene variant linked to a bigger appetite and higher weight.17
  • Age and inactivity8,18
  • Medical causes: hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease1,2
  • Medicines: steroids (glucocorticoids) increase appetite and can cause weight gain.10

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

  1. See your vet. Rule out medical causes and agree on a target weight. Our ideal weight calculator gives a starting estimate.1,19
  2. Use a weight-loss diet, not less of the usual food. Cutting back a regular diet can leave a dog short of essential nutrients. Therapeutic weight-loss diets are lower in calories but fortified, and usually higher in protein and fiber to protect muscle and help dogs feel full.20,21,1 A 2025 review found diets above 25% protein led to more weight loss while preserving lean mass.22
  3. Weigh the food. Measuring cups can be wildly off. In one study, owners' portions ranged from 48% too little to 152% too much.23,24 A kitchen scale is more accurate.7
  4. Keep treats under 10% of daily calories, or set aside part of the daily food to use as treats.21,25
  5. Add exercise. Start with about 30 minutes of walking a day if your dog is fit enough. In a 2016 study, dogs that exercised while dieting kept their muscle, while diet-only dogs lost some.7,26
  6. Weigh regularly every 2 to 4 weeks, and keep rechecks with your vet.2,1,21

How Fast Should a Dog Lose Weight?

About 1% to 2% of body weight a week is the usual safe pace, and slower is fine. For a 50-pound dog, that's about half a pound to a pound a week.9,2 Losing weight faster can cause hunger, muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies and behavior problems such as raiding the trash.9,20 In one weight clinic, obese dogs that reached their target took a median of about 8 months.12 Weight loss "is not a race."2

Keeping the Weight Off

Weight regain is common. In one follow-up study, 48% of dogs regained more than 5% of their body weight after a weight-loss program. Dogs kept on a purpose-made weight-loss diet regained less.27 Once your dog reaches its target, ask your vet how much to feed to maintain it, and keep checking its body condition monthly.1,28

See also body condition score for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way for a dog to lose weight?

There's no safe shortcut. Aim for 1% to 2% of body weight a week on a vet-recommended diet.

Can a dog lose weight just by walking?

Walking helps keep muscle, but diet changes are still needed.

Should I just feed my overweight dog less?

Not without your vet. Cutting the usual food can cause nutrient deficiencies.

How long does it take a dog to lose 10 pounds?

For a 60-pound dog losing 1% to 2% a week, roughly 2 to 4 months.

How long do overweight dogs live?

Studies show up to about two and a half years less than lean dogs, depending on breed.

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Sources and further reading

This article was written and fact-checked on October 25, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. Abood SK, Weir M, Williams K, Downing R. Obesity in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, updated March 3, 2025.
  2. Cohen A. Obesity and Our Dogs Health. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, August 16, 2023.
  3. Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. 2022 Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey. APOP, 2022.
  4. University of Pennsylvania. Dogs fed a reduced-calorie diet live nearly two years longer (news release). Penn Today, September 13, 2002.
  5. Salt C, Morris PJ, Wilson D, Lund EM, German AJ. Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2019;33(1):89-99. Industry-funded.
  6. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Position statement: Obesity. BSAVA, reviewed 2025.
  7. Naik R. Nutritional Management of Canine and Feline Obesity. Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, posted October 2022.
  8. Diez M, Nguyen P. Canine Obesity. In: Encyclopedia of Canine Clinical Nutrition, 2007 (via IVIS).
  9. Linder DE. How Fast Is Too Fast For My Pet To Lose Weight? Petfoodology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, October 9, 2018.
  10. Shipstone M. Hormonal Treatment for Integumentary Disease in Animals. MSD Veterinary Manual (professional version), reviewed April 2022, updated June 2026.
  11. Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2002;220(9):1315-1320. Industry-funded.
  12. German AJ, Titcomb JM, Holden SL, Queau Y, Morris PJ, Biourge V. Cohort Study of the Success of Controlled Weight Loss Programs for Obese Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2015;29(6):1547-1555. Industry-funded.
  13. German AJ, Holden SL, Wiseman-Orr ML, Reid J, Nolan AM, Biourge V, Morris PJ, Scott EM. Quality of life is reduced in obese dogs but improves after successful weight loss. Veterinary Journal, 2012;192(3):428-434.
  14. Partington C, Hodgkiss-Geere H, Woods GRT, Dukes-McEwan J, Flanagan J, Biourge V, German AJ. The effect of obesity and subsequent weight reduction on cardiac structure and function in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 2022;18.
  15. AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs Task Force. Section 1: Overview of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs. 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs, 2026.
  16. Pegram C, Raffan E, White E, Ashworth A, Brodbelt D, Church D, O'Neill D. Frequency, breed predisposition and demographic risk factors for overweight status in dogs in the UK. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2021.
  17. University of Cambridge. Genetic variant may help explain why Labradors are prone to obesity. News release, May 3, 2016, on Raffan E, et al. Cell Metabolism, 2016.
  18. Blanchard G, Colliard L, Paragon BM. Obesity in Dogs and Cats: Risk Factors and Tools to Treat Successfully. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, 2008 (via VIN).
  19. Stilwell N. How to Calculate Your Dog's Healthy Weight. PetMD, December 4, 2019.
  20. Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. Nutritional Management of Weight. UC Davis, June 21, 2018.
  21. Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, Downing R, Durzi T, Murphy M, Parker V. 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2021;57:153-174.
  22. Vanelli K, Wisneski RF, Estevao C, Mayer FC, Costa LB, Webber SH, Pimpao CT. Impact of Hypocaloric Diets on Weight Loss and Body Composition in Obese Dogs: A Meta-Analysis. Animals, 2025;15(2):210.
  23. Pet Nutrition at OVC, University of Guelph. My cup runneth over. Ontario Veterinary College, November 27, 2019, updated August 13, 2025.
  24. German AJ, Holden SL, Mason SL, Bryner C, Bouldoires C, Morris PJ, Deboise M, Biourge V. Imprecision when using measuring cups to weigh out extruded dry kibbled food. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2011;95(3):368-373.
  25. Linder DE. Battling the Bulge? Troubleshooting Tips for Pet Weight Loss. Petfoodology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, July 21, 2017.
  26. Parry NM. Combining Exercise with Calorie Control Helps Dogs Preserve Muscle Mass. dvm360, February 19, 2016 (on Vitger AD, et al. JAVMA 2016).
  27. German AJ, Holden SL, Morris PJ, Biourge V. Long-term follow-up after weight management in obese dogs: the role of diet in preventing regain. Veterinary Journal, 2012;192:65-70.
  28. Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Dog Body Condition and Weight Management. APOP, accessed October 2026.

About this article

Last updated : new page, written using WSAVA, AAHA and BSAVA guidelines, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Tufts, Cornell, UC Davis, IVIS proceedings and studies published 2015 to 2025.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.