“More recent research proves that overweight or dogs with obesity have a lower quality of life, as reported by their pet parents. To put it bluntly, the fact is that dogs with obesity aren't able to live and enjoy their best lives, and we must do better,” Dr. Ward went straight to the point.

“When people ask me if it's better for a dog or cat to have obesity, I tell them ‘neither.’ Obesity is a disease and, as a veterinarian, I swore an oath to prevent animal disease and suffering. My goal is to prevent pet obesity and I've spent the last twenty years researching and teaching nutrition and weight loss methods to committed veterinary professionals and concerned pet parents.”

According to Dr. Ward, dogs and humans are actually very similar when it comes to their weight loss and health journeys. We’re both omnivores; we both use similar metabolic energy sources; we both benefit from aerobic activities—like walking.

“For dogs and humans, the weight-loss equation is about 60% to 70% diet and 30% to 40% physical activity. For cats, a species with different physiology and metabolism, it's about 90% diet and only 10% exercise.”

The pet health expert continued: “The first step toward a healthier weight for your dog is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will first determine your dog's Body Condition Score (BCS), establish target weight loss goals and ideal weight, and calculate the number of calories you should feed each day.”

However, some canines will require special therapeutic diets. While others simply need to reduce their caloric intake.

“Your veterinarian will also make sure there isn't an underlying medical condition or disease causing the weight gain and that it's safe to begin an exercise program. In general terms, a dog (and their pet parent) needs about 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day.”

Walking is the best way to get this exercise. It’s easy. It’s quick. It’s efficient and accessible to nearly everyone. “I prefer it to most other exercises because that's what dogs were designed to do best and most naturally. Plus, it's free! When walking, be sure to use a walking harness and not a neck or choke collar to prevent injury to the trachea or windpipe region of the throat and neck,” Dr. Ward added.

The professional added that dogs can safely lose from 3% to 5% of their body mass each month. As long as they’re on a vet-supervised weight loss program. “Younger and more active dogs may lose a little more, depending on the amount of exercise the pet parent can provide. The most important thing to do is to monitor the weight each month. If your dog isn't losing the appropriate amount of weight in three months, you need to change the strategy.”

He revealed that he’s seen “too many” dogs that haven’t lost an ounce of weight while following the exact same exercise regimen and eating the same food for months on end.

“Weight loss is a dynamic and adaptive process, and dog parents must constantly evaluate what's working or not. The great news is that, unlike cats, most dogs can reach their target weight within six to nine months. Cats can only lose about a half-pound per month, meaning losing four pounds will take about eight months if all goes well.”

Though it might take a while, getting your pet to a healthy weight is always worth the effort. Dr. Ward reiterated that dogs (and cats, too) who are lean end up living longer, have fewer diseases, and enjoy life more.

“That's my ultimate goal: to help pets and the people who love them live longer, happier, more fulfilling lives. And that begins with a nutritious diet, adequate exercise, and healthy body condition.”

The PDSA team confirmed that overweight and obese dogs can have a reduced lifespan and have a greater risk of contracting diseases like cancer, getting injured, and having trouble breathing.

“It’s not just different breeds that need different amounts of exercise. Dogs will have changed exercise needs based on their age and temperament too. As a general rule, adult dogs should have at least 30 minutes of walking a day but many dogs will prefer and need more. Some dogs will want to exercise for in excess of 2 hours,” the PDSA team told us.

“It’s a good idea to consider if your dog might prefer several, shorter walks spread throughout the day. And if you’re not sure how much is too much, try to let your dog take the lead. Give them the option to sniff, run around, chose which route to take and if they don’t want to go home at the end, maybe consider going a bit further. And remember, it’s not just walking that can give your dog exercise, playing games, using puzzle feeders, or training your dog will help keep their minds and bodies active.”

According to the PDSA, here’s how you can check to see if your dog is overweight:

“The best way to tell if your dog is overweight is to look at their body shape or body condition score.

• Look at your dog from the side and from above. They should have a smooth, tucked-in waist.
• Feel under your dog’s tummy. It should go in, not bulge out.
• Feel along your dog’s side and back. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs, spine, and hipbones quite easily but they shouldn’t stick out.
• Feel the base of your dog’s tail. There shouldn’t be any build-up of fat where the tail meets your dog’s back.
• Once you’ve decided if your dog is the ideal shape, you can then use their weight to help you keep track and decide if they need to gain or lose.”

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, around 100 million dogs and cats are considered to be overweight or obese. That’s a 25 percent increase over the last 5 years.

Dr. Justin Shmalberg, service chief of integrative medicine at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, told The New York Times that many pet owners aren’t concerned about the animals gaining a little bit of weight.

“In part, it’s an issue of perception. Generally, the public is more tolerant of obese animals than they are of thin ones. There’s not as much stigma with animals being overweight as with people.”

No matter how ‘cute’ chonky dogs might look, it’s just not worth cutting their life short and racking up the vet bills. High blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, diseased organs, increased risk of cancer—all of these things affect overweight dogs that have haphazard diets and don’t get enough movement.

Even moderately overweight doggos live shorter lives. If dogs are supposed to be our best friends, we owe it to them to help them slim down, feel fitter, and live longer. With the help of expert vets’ advice, of course.