20 dog breeds that are prone to overweight and how to avoid it

Certain dog breeds have a slower metabolism, but it is inevitable that your pet dog will gain weight.

Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC), said that dogs gain weight in the same way as their owners-too much eating and too little exercise.

He said: “Usually this may be because too many snacks, leftovers from the table, too much food, and little exercise.” Weekly newspaper“Obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs.

“Approximately 25% of dogs are obese, and nearly half of dogs between the ages of 5 and 11 have exceeded their ideal weight.

“When a dog’s body weight is 20% or more higher than the ideal body weight, they are technically considered obese.”

Dr. Klein cited a study conducted by the Banfield Pet Hospital in the United Kingdom in 2019, which found that the life span of overweight dogs was on average 2.5 years shorter than that of healthy-weight dogs.

“Obesity also makes them more susceptible to disease,” he added. “Heavy dogs usually have a shorter life span than thin dogs, usually 6 to 12 months.”

However, he said that every owner can follow certain steps to prevent their pet dogs from gaining weight.

“Before starting any exercise or weight loss program, you should consult your veterinarian,” he said. “The important thing is to feed your dog a low-calorie but nutritious nutritional product.

“Swapping your dog’s snacks for healthier foods can also help him lose weight.

“Being active and healthy is important for both humans and dogs. The most recommended and safest exercise to improve health is walking.”

The following are the most risky varieties…

Bulldog

Bulldog breeds can weigh up to 50 pounds and require moderate exercise to stay in good shape.

Dr. Klein said: “They should be fed high-quality food approved by the veterinarian.”

French bulldog

The French are prone to weight gain, which puts the breed at potential risk of other health problems, which means that they need a well-balanced diet.

“Feed them moderate amounts of snacks and avoid feeding them high-fat food residues,” said Dr. Klein.

“Make sure to take them for short walks every day to keep them in shape. Avoid using excessive force when it’s too hot outside.”

Buggy Hound

Bassets is another breed that is easy to gain weight and should be eaten according to its age.

“Avoid feeding them too many snacks, especially during training,” Dr. Klein said.

“Instead, talk to your veterinarian about lower-calorie and healthier human foods, rather than high-fat or high-calorie foods.

“Including a moderate walk every day should keep your dog in good condition.”

Dachshund

Although Dachshunds are short in stature, Dr. Klein reminds the importance of diet, because they are easy to gain weight.

AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer told Weekly newspaper: “Any extra weight of this breed will be harmful to its joints and bones.

“By maintaining their weight, you can avoid additional stress on the long back of the dachshund, which can lead to slipping or herniated discs.

“Doing moderate and light exercise every day can keep them in shape and keep their backs strong for added support and protection.”

Pug

The pug is a breed that can gain weight, which means that responsible owners need to pay great attention to the diet of this breed.

Dr. Klein advises: “Ask your veterinarian about what foods and how much to feed your dog to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

“Walking and playing every day is a good way to control weight, but avoid strenuous activities in hot weather.”

boxer

Although boxers are a high-energy breed, they can easily gain weight if they are fed too much.

“Based on the dog’s activity level and dietary needs, it is important to consult your veterinarian about the ideal diet for your dog,” said Dr. Klein.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels need high-quality food and are sensitive to certain foods, so the diet of this breed is very important to their health.

Dr. Klein said: “They are also prone to obesity, which is another reason to pay attention to how much they eat regularly.

“This sports breed is suitable for moderate exercise and likes any form of activity, including contact with the owner.”

Beagles

Although this hound is not a large breed, the weight of the beagle breed can become a problem if it is fed too much.

“It is important to limit the number of treatments they give during training and throughout the day,” Dr. Klein suggested.

“This energetic breed can exercise for at least one hour a day and likes a good exercise partner.”

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd should be fed high-quality food and be very cautious in feeding the food under the table to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

“This active breed requires a lot of exercise to control weight and avoid potentially destructive behaviors,” said Dr. Klein.

“This breed is also good at canine sports, such as agility, herding, tracking and dock diving, which are all good ways to exercise.”

Shih Tzu

This toy dog ​​breed should maintain a balanced diet, because some dogs tend to be overweight if they eat more calories than the daily allotted calories.

Dr. Klein pointed out: “Although this breed is bred as a family companion, they do require some light exercise in the form of walking or playing time.”

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is another toy dog ​​breed. It should be fed a high-quality diet and the owner should pay attention to the calorie intake of the pet.

“Some dogs may gain weight easily, so it is important to keep them active through short periods of time or indoor play,” said Dr. Klein.

Bull Mastiff

Bullmastiff needs a special diet to prevent bloating. Dr. Klein suggested that “when they are still puppies, they can be fed a few small meals, and two meals a day as adults.”

He added: “This prevents them from digesting too much food at each meal.

“They should stay slim, especially because they grow fast, which can cause harm to their bodies.

“Ideally, walking briskly or playing outdoors every day is a good way to keep them active.”

Labrador

Some of these dogs may be prone to weight gain, which means that owners need to pay close attention to their diet under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Dr. Klein said: “The laboratory is a very dynamic species and requires daily exercise.

“Take them for a walk, swim or let them participate in dog sports to release their suppressed energy.”

Rottweiler

Although Rotties are a muscular and athletic breed, owners of this breed still need to avoid overfeeding them.

“They are a very versatile breed, can perform well in most dog sports, and are excellent workers,” said Dr. Klein.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Experts recommend that this toy dog ​​breed eat a balanced diet and stay active because they have a tendency to gain weight.

Dr. Klein said: “They like to be pugs, but they also like to walk or actively participate in dog sports.”

Golden retriever

Some Golden’s can easily become overweight, so it is a good idea to make sure they maintain a healthy weight.

“Feed them limited food leftovers on the table and avoid giving them too many snacks,” said Dr. Klein.

“As a sporting breed, Goldens requires a lot of exercise and benefits from long-distance running, walking or participating in dog sports.

“Consult your veterinarian before starting an exercise program involving high-intensity or vigorous activity with your dog.”

Newfoundland

Newfies is a surprisingly large breed, weighing up to 150 pounds, and Dr. Klein suggested that the breed “should monitor their diet to avoid weight gain”.

He added: “In addition, this breed tends to have bloating and eat multiple small meals a day instead of two large meals.

“This breed benefits from half an hour of exercise every day and becomes a good partner when walking long distances or hiking.

Scottish terrier

Terriers perform well on a medium-protein diet and some additives (such as canned food).

Dr. Klein warned: “Scotty tends to have dry and flaky skin and eye inflammation if he eats improperly.

“They like walking, but they thrive when they play. They are an energetic breed and like a great tug-of-war game.

“These activities will help them maintain a good physical and mental state.”

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are easily overweight, so their human caregivers should closely monitor the calorie consumption of their dogs.

Dr. Klein said: “Snacks may be an important training aid, but too much can lead to obesity.

“If you plan to feed your dog some table crumbs, avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods.

“A short, slow walk will help maintain your dog’s weight. Chihuahuas like to run and play, and can do a lot of exercise in a small space.”

Yorkshire Terrier

Small dogs like Yorkies are prone to overweight, so owners should strictly observe their pets not to overeating.

“They do a great job of high-quality dog ​​food,” said Dr. Klein. “Yorks benefit from moderate physical and mental exercise.

“They like to walk briskly with their owners, and they like to chase tennis balls in the backyard.

“Twice a day short walks are enough for your Yorkie. They will also benefit from participating in dog sports such as obedience and agility.”