At Cogs Dogs, we’re all about celebrating every pup — chunky, lanky, scruffy, fluffy — they’re all perfect in our eyes, and we love them all! But there’s one thing we can’t ignore, no matter how cute a chubby pup might seem: dog obesity is a serious health risk.
We’re not here to shame anyone — quite the opposite. We’re here to support all dog parents who want to give their best friends the healthiest, happiest life possible. Because loving your dog means wanting them to feel their best, move easily, and live a long, happy life.
Let’s break down the dangers of obesity in dogs, how to prevent it, and what to do if your dog is already carrying a few too many extra pounds (including when it’s a medical issue, not a feeding issue!).
The Health Risks of Dog Obesity
A few extra pounds might not seem like a big deal, but for dogs, especially smaller breeds or seniors, even slight weight gain can cause:
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Breathing difficulties
• Decreased lifespan
• Lower quality of life and mobility
Obesity can also make it harder to detect other health issues and can complicate surgery or recovery from injuries.
Why It Happens — and When It’s Not Just Food
Dog obesity is often caused by overeating, lack of exercise, or a mix of both. However, sometimes it’s not that simple.
At Cogs Dogs, we’ve welcomed senior pups who were eating a high-quality, portion-controlled diet and still gaining weight. After visiting the vet and running bloodwork, we found they had hypothyroidism — a condition that slows metabolism and causes weight gain.
Once they were on medication, the pounds came off without any diet changes. Their energy levels came back, and yes — we even got a few zoomies out of our older pups again. 🐶💨
So before jumping into a diet plan, it’s always smart to check with your vet — especially for older dogs or those gaining weight unexpectedly.
How to Help Your Dog Stay at a Healthy Weight
Here are simple, sustainable habits you can use daily — many of which we do ourselves with our pup Meatball!
1. Mind the Treats
It’s easy to go overboard with treats, especially those big biscuits. We break all our treats into smaller pieces (shhh, don’t tell Meatball), or use healthy options like green beans or fruit (Meatball LOVES all kinds of fruit 🍓🍌). If your pup’s not picky, fruits and veggies make excellent low-calorie rewards.
2. Measure Every Meal
"Eyeballing" food often leads to overfeeding. Use a measuring cup for each meal and monitor calorie intake from any meal toppers or treats. We always know exactly how much Meatball is getting — and it helps keep his weight in check without sacrificing taste.
3. Stay Active Together
Whether it's daily walks, backyard zoomies, or doggy playdates (Meatball’s fave!), exercise is key to a healthy weight. Senior dogs benefit too — just adjust the pace and intensity to fit their needs.
Meatball LOVES having Luna over for playdates and they play incredibly well together. She’s available for adoption with Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ in Omaha, NE, so if you’re looking to add an active, fun pup to your family, she’s your girl!
4. Avoid Free-Feeding
Leaving food out all day encourages boredom eating. Scheduled mealtimes help establish routine and prevent overeating. (Let’s be real — if snacks were out 24/7, we'd eat all day too 😅).
5. Choose High-Quality Food
The right food can make all the difference. Every dog has different dietary needs — Meatball, for instance, has several severe allergies and can only eat duck-based protein, and he’s allergic to things like cow’s milk, eggs, buckwheat, and peas.
Feed your pup what works for them — not what the internet says is trendy.
What To Do If Your Dog is Already Overweight
If your dog is already overweight, no judgment. There’s safe and effective ways to help them slim down and live a healthier, longer life.
✅ Step 1: Visit Your Vet
Start with bloodwork to rule out medical issues like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, especially if the weight gain seems sudden and isn’t caused by overfeeding (be honest with yourself).
🍽️ Step 2: Adjust Their Diet Safely
Never starve your pup — weight loss should be gradual and sustainable. Try portion control, reduce high-calorie treats, and consider switching to a lower-calorie or weight management formula with guidance from your vet.
🐕 Step 3: Increase Activity
Even gentle daily walks or playing fetch can help. If your dog isn’t used to daily walks, it’s important to slowly increase activity. The goal isn’t to go on a 10-mile run everyday, it’s to get them active in a sustainable, healthy way that’s also fun for everyone. Don’t forget mental stimulation counts, too!
📏 Step 4: Monitor Progress
Weigh your dog every 2–3 weeks and check their shape — you should see a waist behind the ribs and feel (but not see) their ribs with gentle pressure.
💛 Step 5: Be Patient and Kind
Dogs lose weight slower than people, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins and stay consistent.
Love Means Looking Out for Their Health
It’s easy to laugh at the jiggly walk or call them “big-boned.” But love means making choices that help them live longer, more active, and pain-free lives.
We’ve seen firsthand how helping a dog reach a healthy weight can bring out their energy, their spark, and their true personality. And when it's caused by a condition like hypothyroidism? The fix might be easier than you think.
Let’s keep loving our dogs with exercise, vet care, playtime, and smart nutrition — not just treats. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and we want them around for as many joyful years as possible. 💜
Join the Pack
Follow us on social media or check out CogsDogs.com for more tips on helping your pup live their best life — in style, with purpose, and most importantly, in great health.
With love & pawsitivity,
Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom 💜
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