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According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity (APOP), a whopping 59% of US dogs are overweight or obese. With over half of dogs in American over their ideal weight, it’s possible that your dog falls into this bucket too. But how do you know if your dog is overweight?
The Body Condition Score System for Dogs
While regular weigh-ins can be helpful to keep your dog at a healthy weight, the number on the scale only paints half the picture of their fitness. Many vets will also use a nine-point scale known as the Body Condition Score (BCS) to visually evaluate factors such as fat distribution, the presence of an abdominal tuck, and rib visibility and tangibility. A score of one means significantly underweight, and nine being significantly overweight or obese. This scale considers more than just weight, which is especially good for more muscular breeds or mixed breeds who have more complex ideal weight ranges.
Ollie offers virtual Weight Screenings as part of their membership. It uses the BCS system to analyze a single photo of your dog, and give personalized instruction from vets and vet techs for helping your dog hit their ideal weight. With the information given, it also takes into consideration the dog’s current BCS score and other lifestyle factors.
“You’d be surprised how many dog owners just don’t know where their dog falls on the scale,” says Tara Zedayko, Chief Scientific Officer at Ollie. “The goal is never to weight-shame, rather to inform and put together an actionable plan for getting our dogs where they need to be to thrive.”
Factors That Impact Weight
Size and Weight Gain in Dogs
Your dog’s size and frame should also be considered when it comes time to weigh in. For smaller dogs, even one extra pound on the scale can be a health risk, whereas larger dogs may gain a pound or two without much impact. Fat distribution is such a key part of BCS because the location and amount of fat can contribute to its risk factors.
Age and Weight Gain in Dogs
When your dog ages, they might also be slowing down physically. As a result of moving less, they might put on some weight. Depending on your dog’s breed and overall health, this weight gain can lead to health issues. Obesity can also make it more challenging to face natural aging obstacles. Adjusting your dog’s diet to better reflect their activity level can help curb obesity and even help them maintain a healthy weight. This is why Ollie factors in age, breed, activity level, and weight when creating personalized nutrition recommendations.
Breeds Predisposed to Obesity
When getting a dog, particularly a purebred, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common health concerns for the breed. Just because a breed might be predisposed to something, it doesn’t mean they’ll inherit the condition. But it’s still good to get ahead of potential problems and create a routine prevention plan. Some breeds are more predisposed to obesity. These include Beagles, Basset Hounds, Cairn Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and West Highland White Terriers.
Nutrition for Weight Management
Genetics, age, and lifestyle all play a critical role in your dog’s health. However, what you put in their bowl matters just as much, if not more. As the person feeding your dog, choosing the right food can feel daunting. Luckily, brands like Ollie have done the homework for you.
Ollie calculates the amount of calories your dog needs per day based on their unique needs and delivers those daily calories in the form of high-quality whole foods. Many other brands lean on fillers like meat meals, corn, wheat, and soy, which are packed with empty calories and very little nutritional value. Additionally, these brands have recommended serving sizes by volume and/dog weight, which almost guarantees you will overfeed or underfeed your dog, since it doesn’t account for those things like breed or age or activity level.
“A dog’s diet is vital in supporting their energy levels and muscle maintenance by providing the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health,” says Dr. Lindsay Cassibry, MPH, DVM. “The right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates is essential to fueling daily activities and maintaining a healthy weight.”
If you suspect your dog may be overweight or could be at risk, Ollie can help you course correct. Custom meal plans paired with regular Weight Screening check-ins with the Ollie Health team provide an individualized path for getting or keeping your pup on track to their ideal weight.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.
