They have better respiratory function, a stronger heart and the correct amount of weight on their joints (this is especially important if your dog’s joints are weak). Their digestive system is not overworked and their organs are not taxed.
By shaving a few kg (or whatever is appropriate) off your tubby dog, you are adding years to their life
The most effective way to help your dog lose weight is to reduce their food intake. Smaller meals, less treats, no scraps!
However, we should always decrease food intake and increase exercise slowly 🐌
Sure, you could say ‘but my lean dog has XYZ health condition and my friend’s obese dog doesn’t have that’ but you need to use common sense! The general health of a lean dog is better than that of an overweight dog.
This is Ava when she was about 2 years old at her most fit 💪🏻 she’s still super lean and runs around with her toys plenty; the reason I think she’s less ripped now as she approaches 5 years old (!) is because she swims a lot less. Swimming is great for high intensity, low impact fitness!
I’ll mention common sense again – if you think your dog has a medical condition, do some tests at the vet.
If your dog has weak joints, limit the high impact exercise. We don’t like Ava to run as long as Hannya & Nina because she has a weak elbow. I also tend to avoid agility-based exercises like jumping.
A horrifying number of our clients have dogs who are unmistakably overweight (no discernible waist) but have been told by a professional that the dog’s weight is fine 😵💫
One last tip: don’t worry too much about how much a dog weighs in numbers. Feed the dog in front of you – can you see a waist and feel ribs? You may need to chuck a bucket of water over a hairy dog to see their true condition!
