Determining Weight Gain

The truth is, 'weight gain' is not really the issue. Dogs, like people, can and should gain weight at certain times - puppyhood is the obvious example. As a puppy gets larger and fills out, you are going to see some weight gain.

The real problem to watch for is changes in body condition. It is very important that you learn how to evaluate your dog's body condition and monitor it from puppyhood on.

Risks of Weight Gain

When extra weight adds up over time, it can lead to obesity, which can result in certain health problems involving the cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal systems. Learn more about problems associated with Obesity and ways to address them.

If you determine that your dog is too heavy, the cause is often overfeeding and/or lack of exercise. But there can be other causes, such as injury, illness, aging or changes in metabolism. These conditions might carry their own risks above and beyond weight gain.

How to Address Weight Gain

Since most weight gain comes from too much food or too little exercise, start with these easy steps:

• Follow the guidelines on the Body Condition and Obesity pages, including eliminating table scraps, reducing treats, and reducing the amount you feed and increasing exercise.
• If you think you might want to try a reduced calorie food, consult your veterinarian about the best course to take.
• If the weight gain is sudden or there is no clear cause, or if usual weight loss or maintenance practices don't seem to help (for example, if your dog has trouble exercising more), go to your veterinarian. There may be other conditions that need treatment or analysis.
• Consult your veterinarian if your dog has a sudden change in appetite, weight gain, or weight loss.