The Weighty Truth
An estimated 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. In Arizona, where summer heat limits exercise opportunities, the problem is even more pronounced.
As groomers, we see the effects of excess weight every day — and it impacts more than just health.
How Excess Weight Affects Your Dog
Health Impacts
- Joint disease and arthritis — Extra weight puts enormous strain on joints, especially in larger breeds
- Shortened lifespan — Studies show lean dogs live an average of 2 years longer than overweight dogs
- Diabetes — Increasingly common in overweight dogs
- Heart and respiratory issues — The heart works harder to supply a larger body
- Heat intolerance — Critical in Arizona's climate; overweight dogs overheat faster
- Reduced immune function — More susceptible to infections and illness
- Skin fold infections — Excess skin folds trap moisture and bacteria
Grooming Impacts
What many people don't realize is that weight significantly affects grooming:
- Harder to reach all areas — Skin folds and body rolls make thorough cleaning difficult
- Increased skin issues — Moisture trapped in folds causes infections and odor
- Difficulty standing — Overweight dogs tire quickly on the grooming table
- More matting — Less active dogs groom themselves less, leading to more tangles
- Nail overgrowth — Less activity means less natural nail wear
- Increased shedding — Hormonal imbalances from obesity can increase shedding
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight
The Rib Test
Place your hands on your dog's sides:
- Ideal weight: You can feel ribs easily with light pressure, but they're not visible
- Overweight: You have to press firmly to feel ribs
- Obese: You can't feel ribs at all
The Waist Test
Look at your dog from above:
- Ideal weight: Visible waist (narrowing) behind the ribs
- Overweight: Straight or barrel-shaped body with no visible waist
The Tuck Test
Look at your dog from the side:
- Ideal weight: The belly tucks up behind the rib cage
- Overweight: The belly hangs level with or below the chest
Weight Management Strategies
Measure Food Accurately
- Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale — eyeballing leads to overfeeding
- Follow your vet's recommended portions, not the bag's suggestion (bags often overestimate)
- Account for treats in the daily calorie total
Reduce Treats (or Make Them Count)
- Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories
- Use small, low-calorie treats (green beans, carrots, blueberries)
- Break commercial treats into smaller pieces
- Use portion of daily kibble as training treats
Increase Exercise Appropriately
In Arizona, exercise timing is everything:
- Early morning walks (before 7 AM in summer)
- Evening walks (after 8 PM)
- Indoor play during peak heat
- Swimming — Excellent low-impact exercise for overweight dogs
- Start slowly — Overweight dogs are injury-prone; build up gradually
Choose the Right Food
- Weight management formulas have fewer calories per cup
- Higher protein, lower carb options help maintain muscle while losing fat
- Avoid free-feeding — Set meal times and pick up uneaten food after 15 minutes
- Consider fresh food — Often more nutrient-dense per calorie
The Grooming Benefit of a Healthy Weight
Dogs at a healthy weight:
- Stand comfortably on the grooming table
- Have better skin health (fewer infections and hot spots)
- Groom themselves more effectively (less matting)
- Are more active (better natural nail wear)
- Are easier and safer for groomers to handle
- Look better after grooming (the coat drapes properly)
Working with Your Vet
Before starting any weight loss program:
- Get a vet checkup — Rule out thyroid issues or other medical causes
- Set a target weight — Your vet can determine the ideal weight for your dog's breed and frame
- Plan a gradual loss — Aim for 1–2% body weight loss per week
- Schedule monthly weigh-ins — Track progress and adjust the plan