• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

7 dog breeds at highest risk for obesity

Posted March 30, 2020

 
Chubby bulldog puppy. Bulldogs are one of the most common obese dog breeds.
The bulldog is one of the most common obese dog breeds.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) classifies 55.8% of dogs in the United States as overweight or obese. In the United Kingdom, 1.7 million dog owners have been told their pets are overweight in the past year alone (according to research by Direct Line).

These are alarming figures, especially when you consider that obesity can result in serious health effects that can shorten a dog’s life span.

Below, we take a look at seven breeds that are the most common obese dog breeds.

Boxers

Boxer puppy looks sad. Boxers are one of five perfect dog breeds for first-time owners.
To keep your boxer from becoming overweight, owners need to take boxers on long walks or allow them plenty of opportunities to run off the lead.

While Boxers love to run around, they often suffer from hypothyroidism, which lowers their metabolism and makes them prone to weight gain. They also are naturally muscular, so if they don’t get enough exercise, their muscle will turn to flab. To maintain their weight, owners must take boxers on long walks or allow them plenty of opportunities to run off the lead. Note: even a healthy Boxer can develop hyperthyroidism, so regular checkups at the vet are essential.

Dachshunds

Dachshunds are among the most obese dog breeds.
Because dachshunds are prone to back issues, they also are prone to gaining weight.

Dachshunds are famous for their long, sausage-like bodies and short legs. Their long backs also make them prone to spinal disorders and disc disease, which can make exercising difficult. As such, many Dachshunds suffer from obesity, which places even more stress on their legs and spine.

Buy Dog Training & Behavior Supplies Today – Shop over 1,000 Brands at Chewy!*

Golden retrievers

disabled dogs
Obesity can cause several severe health issues in golden retrievers, including diabetes, heart, and respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease, digestive disorders, and cancer.

Golden retrievers are said to be very skilled at begging for food and treats, with many owners giving in too easily. While the odd dog treat is perfectly fine, sharing human food with them could have dire consequences. Obesity can cause several serious health issues in golden retrievers, including diabetes, heart, and respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease, digestive disorders, and cancer. However, retrievers are also prone to hip and joint issues, which can be made worse by excessive fat. This makes exercise more difficult, leading to further weight gain.

Rottweilers

rottweiler
Overweight Rottweilers are at more risk of developing cancer, internal organ conditions, and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Like boxers, Rottweilers are prone to hypothyroidism, so they can easily put on weight. If they become too fat, they are at more risk of developing cancer, internal organ conditions, and hip and elbow dysplasia, so they must be exercised regularly and have a calorie-controlled diet. Rottweilers were originally bred to be working dogs, so making sure they get enough physical activity is essential.

Scottish Terriers

The Scottish Terrier is among the most common obese dog breeds
Scottish Terriers are more likely to gain weight as they age.

Scottish terriers are small dogs with little legs, so they tend to put on weight as they age. However, they are also prone to several medical conditions, including (again) hypothyroidism, which is considered one of the root causes of their weight gain. Therefore, owners will need to make a conscientious effort to exercise them regularly and provide a healthy diet.

Bulldogs

Bulldog puppy snuggles with dad. Bulldogs rank high on most popular dog lists.
Bulldogs have enormous appetites and are prone to becoming overweight, so their owners need to be proactive to ensure they don’t develop any severe health conditions.

There is a common misconception that the Bulldog is a naturally chubby pet, but this is far from the truth. Although Bulldogs have a large appetite and are prone to becoming overweight, their owners will need to be proactive to ensure they don’t develop any severe health conditions. Like humans, they struggle to lose weight, so regular exercise and a good diet will be essential. However, breathing problems are common in Bulldogs, so walking rather than running is advised.

Cocker Spaniels

Group of Cocker Spaniel dogs
Cocker Spaniels are prone to hypothyroidism, so if you notice your dog has put on weight or is drinking a lot of water, they may have an underactive thyroid.

Cocker Spaniels are prone to obesity, especially if they have been neutered. They can also suffer from lethargy as they age, so their activity levels decrease. Owners will need to adjust their food intake to account for their lower energy levels and ensure they are not eating any unhealthy treats. Like many of the other dogs on this list, Cocker Spaniels are prone to hypothyroidism, so if you notice your dog has put on weight or is drinking a lot of water, they may have an underactive thyroid.

Buy Dog Food Today – Shop over 1,000 Brands at Chewy!*

obese dog breeds graphicWhat can you do to prevent your dog from becoming overweight?

The treatment for obesity in dogs focuses on gradual weight loss that’s sustainable in the long term. Therefore, carefully monitoring a dog’s exercise regime and diet is incredibly important. While a vet can help to create a good schedule, it’s also possible for owners to manage this themselves.

Feed your dog a diet of food that is rich in fiber and protein but low in fat. Dietary protein can help to stimulate metabolism, while fiber ensures dogs feel satiated after eating. In terms of exercise, increasing a dog’s physical activity level will be vital for successful weight loss. Daily walks, as well as plenty of games such as fetch, will ensure a dog is getting all the exercise they need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

It’s important to note that our list of dog breeds above covers only a handful of dogs that are at risk of becoming overweight – owners of other breeds will still need to monitor their pets carefully and ensure they are getting all the exercise they need to stay fit and healthy.

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

How often and how far should you walk your dog?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Related Posts

  • overweight dogs face arthritis risk
    Fat dogs: More dogs suffer arthritis due to weight gain

    Arthritis in dogs: Excessive weight major contributor to canine joint…

  • Cartoon illustration of overweight dog sitting on scale.
    My dog's fat. Now what do I do?

    Overweight dog: One in three dogs in the U.S. weighs…

  • Dalmatian shows a trim waist. If you run your hands along your dog's sides and can't feel her ribs, it's time to put your overweight dog on a diet.
    Use the rib test to keep your dog at the right weight

    Rib test: Run your hands along your dog's sides. If…

  • dog swim
    Channel your dog's energy with healthy canine exercise

    Channel your dog's energy with healthy canine exercise like fetch,…

  • Man runs with his beagle. Use dog-friendly exercises to get fit with your dog.
    Get fit: 6 dog-friendly exercises you can do with your pup

    Use dog-friendly exercises to have fun with your furry friend…

  • healthy dog weight
    Healthy dog weight: Boost exercise, limit treats

    In addition to regular vet visits, ensuring a healthy dog…

  • healthy dog weight
    Help your dog lose weight

    If your furry buddy has gotten a little heavy, there…

  • Woman jogs with her dog. Always consult with your vet before adding easy exercises with your dog.
    6 easy exercises you can do with your dog

    Always consult with your vet before adding easy exercises with…

Share this post:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Arthritis, Canine diabetes, Healthy weight

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

  • Small brown and white dog wears a mask. Dogs and coronavirus: Canines unlikely to catch or transmit the virus to people or other animals, World Small Animal Veterinary Association says.

    Coronavirus and dogs: Can canines get COVID-19?

  • Dogs and other pets on a video conference call. Dog home alone again? If you're preparing to go back to work, get your dog ready. To prevent separation anxiety, use training, treats, and a safe space.

    Ready to go back to work? Prepare your dog to be home alone

Tags

Dog communication Dog sounds Canine exercise snap Dog photos Beagle Leash aggression Potty training Ticks Easter Dog food Dog begging Dog manners Dog grief Fleas Chasing Dogs eat grass Service dogs Socialization Allergies Valentine's Day Cancer Rottweiler CBD-Marijuana-Hemp Dog bath Dog apps Dog gifts Dog nails Christmas Pet sitter

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • How pets help us through the pandemic
    Being stuck at home reinforced the value of pet benefits for most owners. Our dogs provide unconditional love and are great listeners. […]
  • 3 common dog behavior issues and how to fix them
    Don't wait, take action immediately to control three common dog behavior issues: barking, chewing, and aggression. […]
  • What dog breeds are best at scaring away wildlife?
    Dogs provide the ability for scaring away wildlife from your home and property. They also provide companionship and even security. […]
  • Post-surgery physical rehabilitation provides benefits for dogs
    Providing post-surgery care for dogs will help your pup fully rehabilitate and gradually resume regular activities. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more