Overweight Pets Have Shorter Lives, Research Shows Exactly How Much

We've all been that person. Slipping your dog (or cat) a little piece of whatever you're eating because you cannot resist the cute big begging eyes... it seems harmless. Unfortunately, we forget two very important things - 1) What's in our food may not be the healthiest choice for our pets; and 2) All of those little bits of goodness add up and could impact their internal organs, and weight. Overweight pets are in danger of bad health.

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight will help it have a longer and better quality. Being overweight shortens a dog's lifespan, sometimes dramatically according to new research. Scientists have calculated exactly how much less overweight dogs of popular breeds live compared to normal weight dogs.

For dog parents, the results are worrying and show the serious impacts extra weight can have. Veterinarians say many pet parents don't realize their pet is too heavy or understand the health consequences.

Major Study Calculates Overweight Dogs' Shorter Lifespans

A study, conducted by Carina Salt (WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition) et al. published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, determined the difference in average lifespan between overweight and normal weight dogs for popular breeds. The research included over 50,000 dogs seen at veterinary hospitals over 20 years.

Scientists matched overweight and normal weight dogs by breed, sex, and age. They calculated the typical lifespan of each group. The results show being overweight significantly reduces length of life in all breeds. However, the effects are worse for small dogs.

For example, overweight male Chihuahuas live nearly 3 years less than normal weight ones. Heavier female Yorkies have lifespans shortened by 2 years compared to optimal weight Yorkies. Large breeds have less dramatic but still substantial decreases in longevity.

Study co-author Professor Alex German states: "Owners are often unaware their dog is overweight and may not realize the impact on health. If a beloved pet is too heavy, they're more likely to suffer other problems and have a poorer quality of life."

Research Shows Overweight Dogs Develop Health Issues

Previous studies have established being overweight causes health conditions that impact lifespan. The excess weight stresses joints, bones, and muscles. Chubby dogs are prone to painful arthritis and mobility issues.

Extra body fat puts pressure on internal organs like the heart and lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, heart disease, and less stamina. Overweight dogs commonly have problems regulating blood sugar and metabolism.

The extra pounds also increase the risk of many cancers in dogs. Fat presses on nerves causing neurologic symptoms. Dogs carrying too much weight usually have lower energy. Obesity makes them prone to heat stroke on hot days.

Overall, the chronic health issues caused by excess weight diminish quality of life. These problems require extensive veterinary care which is costly. Overweight dogs commonly pass away earlier from the cumulative effects on their bodies.

Veterinarians Emphasize Importance of Canine Weight Management

Veterinary experts say too many dog parents are unaware their pet is overweight. Others may know but not appreciate the serious health impacts. Maintenance of optimal weight is crucial for dogs to live long, active lives.

Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention states: "I cannot emphasize enough the importance of dogs maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity leads to more sickness, costs pet parents more in veterinary expenses, and shortens lifespans."

The Association helps educate pet parents about recognizing overweight dogs and creating customized weight loss plans. Dr. Ward says prevention is ideal through proper nutrition and exercise starting as puppies. He explains: "Helping dogs achieve and stay at optimal weight adds years to their lives. It also adds more years of high quality life shared with pet parents."

How Much Less Do Overweight Dogs Live?

The study calculated reduced longevity for overweight spayed/neutered dogs of 12 popular breeds. Here are the average lifespans of normal weight versus overweight dogs:

Yorkshire Terriers:

- Males: Overweight - 13.7 years Normal Weight - 16.2 years

- Females: Overweight - 13.5 years Normal Weight - 15.5 years

Pomeranians:

- Males: Overweight - 12.9 years Normal Weight - 15.0 years

- Females: Overweight - 13.1 years Normal Weight - 15.2 years

Chihuahuas:

- Males: Overweight - 12.6 years Normal Weight - 15.2 years

- Females: Overweight - 12.8 years Normal Weight - 14.8 years

Shih Tzus:

- Males: Overweight - 12.1 years Normal Weight - 13.8 years

- Females: Overweight - 12.3 years Normal Weight - 14.1 years

Cocker Spaniels:

- Males: Overweight - 12.1 years Normal Weight - 13.9 years

- Females: Overweight - 12.5 years Normal Weight - 14.3 years

Dachshunds:

- Males: Overweight - 12.1 years Normal Weight - 14.0 years

- Females: Overweight - 12.4 years Normal Weight - 14.2 years

Beagles:

- Males: Overweight - 13.2 years Normal Weight - 15.2 years

- Females: Overweight - 13.3 years Normal Weight - 15.3 years

Pit Bulls:

- Males: Overweight - 10.9 years Normal Weight - 12.0 years

- Females: Overweight - 11.1 years Normal Weight - 12.2 years

Boxers:

- Males: Overweight - 10.1 years Normal Weight - 11.7 years

- Females: Overweight - 10.4 years Normal Weight - 12.0 years

Golden Retrievers:

- Males: Overweight - 11.1 years Normal Weight - 12.5 years

- Females: Overweight - 11.4 years Normal Weight - 12.9 years

Labrador Retrievers:

- Males: Overweight - 11.1 years Normal Weight - 12.1 years

- Females: Overweight - 11.4 years Normal Weight - 12.5 years

German Shepherds:

- Males: Overweight - 12.1 years Normal Weight - 12.5 years

- Females: Overweight - 12.5 years Normal Weight - 13.1 years

The data shows being overweight shortens lifespan in all popular breeds. Effects are more pronounced in small dogs, taking years off their lives. But even in large breeds, excess weight decreases longevity.

Researchers cannot explain exactly why overweight dogs die earlier. Likely factors are chronic diseases caused by obesity and also higher rates of euthanasia due to poor quality of life and vet costs.

Still, the takeaway for pet parents is clear - helping your dog slim down to normal weight adds years to their life. And those extra years are quality years spent more actively enjoying life with you!

Why Do So Many Dogs Become Overweight?

With all the documented health risks, why do studies show over half of pet dogs are overweight or obese? There are several contributing factors to the canine obesity epidemic.

One is that many pet parents are unable to recognize when their dog is too heavy. The extra pounds creep on gradually so the dog's change in shape isn't noticed. Fat deposited on the chest and abdomen disguises weight gain.

Another common reason is pet parents enjoy treating pets with food. Extra treats and table scraps given with love add excess calories. Overfeeding typically comes from caring, not neglect.

Lack of exercise also plays a role. Busy parents have less time to walk or play with dogs. Backyards don't provide enough activity for most dogs. The result is excess calories and not enough physical exertion to burn them off.

Additionally, some breeds have a genetic predisposition to obesity. Examples are Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Dachshunds. Their metabolism tends to put on weight more readily.

But while genes play a role, nutrition and activity levels have the power to prevent weight issues. All dogs will gain fat if fed too much and exercised too little. Helping dogs stay trim optimizes their health.

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Since many pet parents have trouble recognizing extra weight, it's important to know the signs of canine obesity:

• Loss of waistline and abdominal tuck

• Ribs not easily felt

• Fat deposits on chest, abdomen, and base of tail

• Head looks small for body size

• Back slopes down from shoulders to hips

• Hind legs have fuller appearance

The best gauge is to feel your dog's ribs. They should be easily felt with minimal fat covering. If you can't feel ribs without pressing firmly, your dog likely needs to lose weight.

Dr. Bhatt can best assess your dog's body condition. We use body condition score charts to evaluate dogs on a scale of 1 to 9. Dogs with scores of 5 or above are overweight.

Regular weight checks are important. Small weight gains accumulate over months. Catching extra pounds early makes shedding them easier. Stepped-up exercise, measured feeding, and treats only during training can take off excess weight.

What You Can Do To Help Your Dog Be A Healthy Weight

If your dog is overweight, don't feel guilty or despair. Stay positive and proactive. Develop a plan with Dr. Bhatt to slim your pet down to a healthy size. It may take months, but it adds years to your dog's life.

First, ask Dr. Bhatt to calculate the exact calories needed for weight loss. Measure out this amount at set mealtimes. Consider prescription weight loss dog food to burn fat. Avoid free feeding, which makes intake hard to control.

Next, maximize activity with 30+ minutes of daily exercise. Take brisk walks, play fetch, take training classes. Swimming and "doggy gym" sessions also burn calories and build muscle.

Minimize treats for training only. Reduce table scraps and high fat foods like cheese. Use toy rewards along with food treats. Green beans and baby carrots make low calorie snacks.

Regularly weigh your dog and celebrate each pound shed. Stay consistent and patient through plateaus. Extra pounds damaging health over years don't disappear overnight. But small steps achieve big results if you stick with the plan.

A canine weight loss journey takes commitment from the whole family. But the rewards are huge in added years of enjoyment together. Slimming down lets dogs play more, feel better, and live their longest.

The Reality Every Dog Parent Needs To Face

The hard truth is overweight dogs don't live as long. They develop chronic health conditions that diminish quality of life and require extensive veterinary care. The safest and kindest thing you can do for the dog you love is help them achieve and maintain an optimal weight.

This requires an honest assessment of your pet's body condition and lifestyle habits. Extra food, treats, table scraps add up over time. Inadequate exercise also piles on unhealthy pounds. Changing these dynamics leads to a longer, healthier doggy life.

Small consistent changes get big results over time. Feeding proper portions, substituting treats with toys, going on daily brisk walks - these things get weight off and keep it off. Consult Dr. Bhatt to create a tailored, realistic plan.

Your dog depends on you to make the best choices for their health and longevity. The payoff for ensuring an optimal weight is more years of companionship and activity together. There is no better reward than maximizing the time with your furry family member.