Why Is My Dog Gaining Weight? Should I Be Concerned?

Have you recently noticed a little more padding than there used to be when petting your pup? Does their collar appear a tad snugger than it was just a few weeks ago? As loving dog parents, we are generally the first to notice when something changes, including changes in our best friend’s weight. But when should you be concerned about those added pounds?

While a little extra weight may initially seem unimportant, sudden weight gain in dogs can sometimes be a warning sign of an underlying medical issue. In this post, I’ll help you uncover the possible reasons for your dog’s growing waistline, including when to see a veterinarian. Plus, I’ll offer some actionable tips to help keep your pup at a healthy weight.

Recognizing Sudden Weight Gain in Your Dog

It can sometimes be tricky to spot changes in your dog’s weight based on looks alone, especially if they have a lot of fur. That’s why it’s important to take time regularly to do a quick check on your dog’s body condition. Here are some practical ways to do this:

• The Scale: If your dog isn’t too large, the obvious answer is to use a scale. Regularly weighing your dog at home will give you concrete numbers to check. Most veterinarians will also allow their clients to come in and use their scale between checkups.
• The Feel Test: If your dog is a healthy weight, you should be able to easily feel their ribs when running your hands along their body without pressing too hard. If you’re looking down at their body from above, you should be able to see a visible waist tuck.
• The Look Test (with Caution): Look at their overall body shape. Are they looking rounder, especially around the belly? Do they appear to be losing definition?

Keep in mind that relying on how they look may be misleading, causing you to miss signs of trouble. Long-haired breeds can hide extra weight under their fur. Seasonal changes in your dog’s coat thickness may also give the illusion that they have gained weight when they haven’t. Your best approach is not to rely on visual appearance alone.

Not worried about your dog’s weight right now? This is the perfect time to weigh them and get a solid baseline. By knowing their healthy weight, you’ll have something to compare it to if you are concerned that there may be a worrisome change in the future.

Potential Reasons Your Dog is Gaining Weight

When our dogs start to pack on the pounds unexpectedly, it’s natural to wonder what’s happening. Especially because some potential explanations serve as a warning sign of something far more serious.

Often, the answer lies in a simple imbalance between the calories they consume and the energy they expend each day. However, other factors, including changes in their activity levels and even underlying health conditions, can also play a role.

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons for sudden weight gain in dogs.

Dietary Changes

Arguably, the most common reason for a dog’s growing waistline is an increase in the number of calories they eat with no matching change to their activity level (or a decrease in activity with no change to their meals). This can manifest in several ways, such as:

• A recent switch to a food with a higher calorie density, even if the portion size remains the same
• An increase in the frequency or size of treats
• The addition of table scraps and other human foods to their diet
• Miscommunication between family members about whether/how much your dog has eaten

It’s crucial to remember the importance of correctly measuring your dog’s food portions to avoid unintentional overfeeding. Check the packaging of your dog’s food for the feeding guidelines, as this is unique to each brand and formula.

Lower Activity Levels

Even if your dog’s diet hasn’t changed, a reduction in their exercise levels could lead to weight gain. Just like with humans, fewer calories burned means more stored as fat.

There are several reasons why a dog’s activity levels may decrease. As dogs get older, they naturally slow down. Injuries or chronic pain, such as canine arthritis, can limit their mobility and ability to be as active as they once were at their prime. They may also be less active due to changes in your lifestyle or daily routine. For example, if your work schedule is suddenly hectic, it may lead to fewer or shorter walks.

Finally, consider the environmental factors that could impact their willingness or ability to stay active. For example, extreme weather conditions like sweltering summer heat or chilly winter temperatures may result in less outdoor playtime.

Underlying Medical Conditions

While the delicate balance between diet and exercise is often the primary culprit, sudden weight gain can sometimes be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. Several conditions can lead to weight gain, and as responsible dog parents, we must be aware of these possibilities:

• Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, often slowing a dog’s metabolism, leading to weight gain even with a normal diet
• Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): An overproduction of cortisol, which can increase appetite, alter fat distribution (often leading to a pot-bellied appearance), and cause weight gain
• Heart Disease: This sometimes leads to fluid retention, which may manifest as a bloated abdomen or the appearance of rapidly gaining weight
• Organ Enlargement: When key organs in the abdominal area, such as the liver or spleen, become enlarged, they can contribute to abdominal bloating or swelling and a feeling of weight gain
• Medications: Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, are known to increase appetite, leading to weight gain as a side effect
• Fluid Retention (Edema or Ascites): The buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues or abdomen can be caused by various underlying conditions (like the aforementioned heart disease) and result in a rapid increase in apparent weight

What Can You Do to Help at Home

If you’ve noticed your dog is gaining weight, there are several things you can do at home to gather information, identify the cause, and potentially make some adjustments to set them onto a better path. However, it’s equally important to recognize when at-home care isn’t enough and a visit to your veterinarian is needed (more on that below).

Here are some ways you can help stop and potentially reverse your dog’s weight gain:

Careful Observation and Documentation

Becoming a careful observer is your first line of defence in many areas of your dog’s health and well-being, and recognizing your dog is gaining weight is no exception. In addition to catching the problem early, you may be able to uncover valuable insights by keeping a detailed record for both you and your veterinarian to review. This record should include:

• Food: The specific type of food your dog eats, the exact amount given at each meal, any toppers or additions to their food, and how frequently they eat.
• Treats and Table Scraps: Be honest about the number and type of treats you are feeding your dog and any table scraps or human food they might be getting. This isn’t about judgment, but it can significantly impact their weight.
• Activity Levels: Note what activity they engage in each day, including the duration and intensity of walks, playtime, and any other physical exercise.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Pay close attention to any other changes you observe in your dog, such as decreased energy, a loss of interest in their usual activities, increased thirst, changes in urination or bowel movements, or any other unusual behavior.
• Visual Documentation: Sometimes it’s difficult to spot differences based on just our memories. Instead, take photos of your dog’s body condition from different angles over time. This will help you track changes more objectively, and it can serve as helpful data for your veterinarian.

Gradual Dietary Changes

If you believe your dog’s diet may be at fault, you may be tempted to do a complete overhaul. But it’s crucial to avoid making any drastic changes too quickly. This is a great time to have a conversation with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s diet plan is optimized to meet all their nutritional needs.

Start by reviewing their current food and treats, paying close attention to the calorie content and recommended serving sizes listed on the packaging. Ensure you use an accurate measuring cup to portion their food according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for their ideal weight (not necessarily their current weight).

Consider the benefits of feeding a high-quality, balanced dog food that meets their specific life stage and activity level. This may mean exploring new brands or recipes to find the right fit for your dog’s needs.

If you know your dog is getting quite a few special snacks, consider reducing the number or the size of treats you offer. This doesn’t mean you have to cut all treats out of their routine (especially if you are using training treats), but you should reconsider their overall impact on the calories they are consuming. Additionally, eliminate table scraps and other calorie-dense human foods entirely.

Re-Evaluating Exercise Routines

If your dog isn’t struggling with mobility issues or conditions that cause pain during exercise (like arthritis), you may want to consider gradually increasing their physical activity.

Gentle exercise options like slightly longer or more frequent walks, engaging in playtime in the yard, or using puzzle toys for mental stimulation can help increase the calories they are burning and keep that calories in/calories out balance in check. However, it’s vital to consult with your veterinarian before significantly increasing your dog’s exercise, especially if they are older, have any known health conditions, or are showing any signs of discomfort.

The ”Wait and See” Approach (With Strong Caution)

It’s true that your dog may experience minor weight fluctuations sometimes throughout their life without it being a cause for immediate alarm. However, moving forward with a “wait and see” approach for an extended time is strongly discouraged, especially if the weight gain is sudden, significant, or accompanied by any other signs that something may be “off.”

Delaying veterinary care if your dog is experiencing an underlying medical condition could have serious and potentially irreversible or life-threatening consequences. If you have any doubts or concerns about your dog’s sudden weight gain, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and schedule a vet appointment.

When to See Your Veterinarian

Knowing when to seek professional help is a crucial part of being a dog parent. Weight gain, especially when it happens quickly and significantly over a short period, should always raise a red flag.

Furthermore, if your dog’s weight gain is accompanied by any of these concerning symptoms, you should schedule a veterinary visit ASAP:

• Any significant changes in their appetite, whether an increase or a decrease
• Episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
• Increased thirst and urination
• Changes in their skin or coat condition
• Abdominal bloating or a noticeable distension of their stomach
• Lameness or a reluctance to move or put weight on a limb
• Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing
• Lethargy or a noticeable decrease in energy
• Any other usual or concerning symptoms that deviate from their normal behavior

When you bring your dog in for their appointment, your vet will likely start by taking a detailed history. Be prepared to discuss their diet, exercise routine, and any other symptoms you’ve observed. If you have been keeping a journal or photos of your dog’s body condition, this is the perfect time to share that information.

To determine the underlying cause, your vet may do several tests, including (but not limited to) a physical exam, blood work, a urinalysis, or imaging like radiographs (X-rays) or an ultrasound.

Investing in Your Dog’s Health and Well-Being

Navigating your dog’s health and well-being, especially if you’re noticing a change to their “normal,” can be challenging and even overwhelming. However, we are the first line of defence in identifying and addressing problems for our pups. By seeking answers and taking action to improve their quality of life, we can set them up for long-term success.

Open communication with your veterinarian is a key piece of that puzzle. Don’t be afraid to reach out and share your concerns. Ultimately, our shared goal is to ensure our dogs lead healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives – and together we can make that a reality!

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