{"id":2768,"date":"2026-07-02T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/?p=2768"},"modified":"2026-07-02T11:32:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T11:32:31","slug":"obesity-in-dogs-signs-causes-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/obesity-in-dogs-signs-causes-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Obesity in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Have you noticed your dog becoming less active or gaining extra weight? In the UAE&#8217;s hot climate, reduced physical activity can lead to obesity in dogs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obesity can seriously affect your dog&#8217;s health and quality of life. In this article, you&#8217;ll learn how to recognize the signs of obesit in dogs, explore safe weight loss strategies, and discover when it&#8217;s time to seek professional veterinary advice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>symptoms of obesity in dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog is overweight, you may notice the following signs:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gradual weight gain over time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced energy levels and spending more time resting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Becoming tired more quickly during walks or play.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty keeping up with normal physical activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A collar or harness that feels tighter than before.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble feeling the ribs, spine, or waist due to excess body fat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A rounder or fuller-looking face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heavy panting after only mild activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Needing assistance to jump into cars or climb stairs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showing little interest in walking, running, or playing with toys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of the natural waistline, with the abdomen appearing wider or sagging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Causes of Obesity in Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768.webp\" alt=\"causes of obesity in dogs\" class=\"wp-image-2771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768.webp 1000w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768-500x334.webp 500w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2150742768-600x400.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Obesity in dogs occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure. Common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Overfeeding:<\/strong> Giving too much food, frequent treats, or table scraps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of exercise<\/strong>: Not getting enough daily physical activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medications:<\/strong> Some medications, especially corticosteroids, may increase appetite and lead to weight gain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical conditions:<\/strong> Disorders such as hypothyroidism and Cushing&#8217;s disease can cause weight gain, although they are much less common than poor diet and inactivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Risks Associated with Obesity in Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Obesity increases the risk of many <a href=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/pet-atlas-com-common-pet-diseases-in-the-uae\/\">serious diseases<\/a>, affecting both your dog&#8217;s lifespan and overall quality of life. Common risks include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arthritis and joint problems that reduce mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diabetes caused by impaired insulin regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart and cardiovascular disease associated with excess body fat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kidney disease and high blood pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respiratory problems, making breathing and exercise more difficult.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced tolerance to exercise and heat, causing dogs to tire more easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher risks during anesthesia and surgery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hormonal, skin, and urinary tract disorders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A shorter lifespan and lower overall quality of life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protect your dog from obesity before it leads to serious health problems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/vet-online-chat-united-arab-emirates\/\"><strong>Consult the veterinary experts at Pet-Atlas <\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Create a personalized nutrition and weight management plan for a healthier dog.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment of Obesity in Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Successful weight loss in dogs depends on regular exercise, proper nutrition, and a veterinarian-guided weight management plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular exercise helps dogs burn calories and improve their overall fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog is significantly overweight, start with short, low impact activities such as 15\u201330 minute daily walks, then gradually increase the duration and intensity as their fitness improves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other suitable activities include playing fetch, swimming, or other dog friendly exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Older dogs may require a modified exercise routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>overweight dog diet plan&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A balanced, calorie-controlled diet is essential for healthy weight loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your veterinarian may recommend a high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat diet to help your dog feel full while maintaining muscle mass.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Limiting treats, avoiding table scraps, and measuring food portions can also make a significant difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/how-to-choose-the-best-pet-diet\/\"><strong>The best pet diet for your pet\u2019s health<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tips for Healthy Weight Loss for dogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Follow a consistent feeding schedule and divide daily food into smaller meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce any new food gradually over about a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace high-calorie treats with healthier alternatives, such as carrot sticks (if suitable for your dog).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor your dog&#8217;s weight regularly and schedule routine veterinary checkups to track progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;Dog body condition score&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-1200x800.webp\" alt=\"how to detect obesity in dogs\" class=\"wp-image-2769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-1200x800.webp 1200w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-500x333.webp 500w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dog-body-condition-score-1.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/wsava.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WSAVA<\/a> The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a 9-point scale used to assess a dog&#8217;s body fat and determine whether they are underweight, at an ideal weight, overweight, or obese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>BCS&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Body Condition&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>1-3<\/strong><\/td><td>Underweight&nbsp;<\/td><td>Ribs, spine, and hip bones are easily visible or felt, with little to no body fat and a very defined waist.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>4-5<\/strong><\/td><td>Ideal&nbsp;<\/td><td>Ribs are easy to feel with minimal fat covering, the waist is visible from above, and there is a clear abdominal tuck.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>6<\/strong><\/td><td>Slightly Overweight&nbsp;<\/td><td>Ribs are still palpable but covered by extra fat. The waist is less defined, and the abdominal tuck is reduced.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>7<\/strong><\/td><td>Overweight&nbsp;<\/td><td>Ribs are difficult to feel, fat deposits become noticeable, and the waist is barely visible.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>8-9<\/strong><\/td><td>Obese&nbsp;<\/td><td>Ribs are difficult or impossible to feel, the waist is absent, and heavy fat deposits are present over the body.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Check Your Dog&#8217;s Body Condition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To assess your dog&#8217;s body condition at home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Feel the ribs:<\/strong> They should be easy to feel with light pressure but not visibly protruding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check the waist:<\/strong> View your dog from above you should see a noticeable waist behind the ribs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look for an abdominal tuck:<\/strong> From the side, the belly should slope upward rather than bulge outward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Feel the spine and hips:<\/strong> You should be able to feel the spine and hip bones beneath the skin without them being prominent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check the base of the tail:<\/strong> There should be little to no fat buildup around the tail base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the 2024 Association for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.petobesityprevention.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP)<\/a> Survey, 59% of dogs are overweight or obese, putting them at greater risk of serious health problems. Don&#8217;t wait until obesity affects your dog&#8217;s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pet- Atlas offers online veterinary consultations to help you create a personalized weight management plan to avoid obesity in dogs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you noticed your dog becoming less active or gaining extra weight? In the UAE&#8217;s hot climate, reduced physical activity can lead to obesity in dogs.&nbsp; Obesity can seriously affect your dog&#8217;s health and quality of life. In this article, you&#8217;ll learn how to recognize the signs of obesit in dogs, explore safe weight loss [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":2770,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[45,49],"class_list":["post-2768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs","tag-dogs","tag-english"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2768"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2776,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2768\/revisions\/2776"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pet-atlas.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}