A story that happens in many homes

 

Imagine your dog. Not long ago, it ran wildly through the grass, chased around, and happily jumped on the couch. And now? After a short walk, it lies heavily on the floor, pants, looks at you with effort, and instead of happiness in its eyes, you see fatigue. This is not old age, but overweight. A silent disease that slowly takes away your dog’s energy, health, and joy of life. But the most important thing is that you can help. You decide what it eats, how it moves, and how its day looks. And you can make it happy and light again like before.

 

Is your dog overweight?

 

Many owners say: “he just has thick fur,” “this breed looks like that.” But the truth is simple: if it’s hard to feel your dog’s ribs – it’s a sign that they weigh too much.

📌 Other signs:

• lack of a defined waist,
• panting and snoring,
• lethargy and reluctance to play.

Especially small breed dogs are prone to overweight – for a Yorkie or Maltese, breeds with low daily calorie needs, even a small excess amount of food can pose a significant risk.  

 

 

Where does overweight come from?

 

Dogs don’t gain weight on their own. It’s always the result of our choices:

• too large food portions,
• too many “table scraps”,
• lack of exercise,
• slower metabolism after castration and sterilization and even emotions – stress or depression in dogs

Yes, dogs can also “eat away their sadness.”

Diet – love expressed in a bowl

 

Dog food is a sense of security, routine, and a signal that you care for them. That’s why a weight loss diet shouldn’t be a punishment.

Instead of fasting, choose a smart change: pick light food - with reduced calories, which:

• is rich in protein, so it supports muscles,
• contains added fiber, which provides satiety,
• provides all vitamins and minerals.

Divide the daily portion into 2–3 meals. Your dog won’t feel an empty stomach, and you’ll avoid its pleading looks.

 

👉 Remember also that any change of food should be gradual – mix the new with the current one so the dog’s stomach can get used to it.

 

 

Treats – because a reward is also love

 

You don’t have to give up treats. It’s well known that they often serve as a language of love and a reason for joy for your pet.

That’s why choose healthy treats, such as dried meat, light bites, “fit” rewards. You can also give pieces of vegetables (e.g., carrots), which are filling but not fattening.

 

📌 Important rule: if you give your dog treats, subtract their energy content from the daily portion of food. It’s simple and effective!

 

Exercise – a cure for weight and sadness

 

Exercise is the key to health. But it’s not about your dog immediately running after a bike or training sports. It’s about everyday life full of activity.

• extend walks – instead of 10 minutes, go for half an hour
• change routes – new smells are an adventure for a dog
• add scent games – e.g., tracking – it’s a workout for both mind and body at the same time
• try fetch, tug-of-war, or even simple agility elements in the park

 

👉 Remember: exercise is not just about burning calories. It’s a cure for boredom, stress, and sadness, and also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

 

Emotions – a dog is not a machine

 

We often look at a dog's actions, which seem very automatic to us, while at the same time attributing robot-like traits to our pet: it will eat, go for a walk, relieve itself, sleep. However, behind these seemingly mechanical actions, a dog is an emotional and sensitive being. If left alone for many hours, it gets bored or stressed – it may start eating "for comfort." This happens because in a threatening situation, no animal thinks about whether it is hungry; instead, it focuses on the possibilities of fighting or fleeing. Eating in a stressful situation sends a signal to the body: “I am eating, so it means it must be safe outside”, which calms it down.

This is when extra kilos appear. The dog snacks because it is experiencing something overwhelming, incomprehensible, or threatening its sense of security. That’s why slimming down is not just about the bowl and walks. It’s also your presence, playing together, and affection. A dog that feels loved and safe changes its habits more easily.

 

📌Attention: If you notice signs of apathy, isolation, lack of desire to play in your dog – these may be symptoms of depression. Then your pet needs not only exercise and diet but above all emotional support.

 

Monitor and trust the vet

 

Slimming a dog is a process – it requires time and patience. Weigh your dog every month, record the results, take photos. This provides motivation and shows progress.

Regular visits to the clinic are essential. The vet will check if the dog is losing weight healthily, not losing muscle, and will advise you on how to adjust the plan. Before you go, check how to prepare your dog for the visit.

 

FAQ – most frequently asked questions

 

Can a dog lose weight on its own?

No. You decide on its bowl and exercise.

 

How long does it take to slim a dog down?

Healthy weight loss is 1–2% of body weight per week. In practice – several months.

 

Do small breed dogs gain weight faster?

Yes. Even half a kilogram more is a serious problem for a small dog.

 

Does neutering cause obesity?

Not the surgery itself, but the slowed metabolism after it. That’s why you need to be especially careful with portions after the procedure.

 

Love that gives life

 

Remember, it depends on you whether you spend the coming years with your pet on walks or in the vet's waiting room. By slimming your dog down, you are not taking away its joy – you are giving it health, lightness, and more years of happy life. And that is the most beautiful proof of love you can offer.

 

Elżbieta Górnik – dog and cat nutrition specialist at BULT.
Co-creates expert articles and guides for caregivers, combining nutritional knowledge with the practice of daily care for dogs and cats.