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Weight Management

Helping dogs reach and hold a healthy weight

A lot of dogs carry more weight than they should. It's easy to miss, because it comes on slowly and a bit of extra padding can look normal. But extra weight is hard on a dog's body. It loads the joints, makes movement harder, and brings on or worsens a long list of health problems.

The good news is that weight is one of the things you have the most control over. With the right mix of food and exercise, most dogs can get back to a healthy weight and feel better for it.

What weight gain does to a dog

Extra weight isn't just about looks. It affects nearly every part of the body.

More strain on the joints —Every extra kilo loads the hips, knees, elbows and back. This brings on arthritis sooner and makes existing joint problems worse.
Less movement — A heavier dog tires faster and moves less. Less movement means more weight gain and weaker muscle, so it feeds itself.
Higher risk of injury —Carrying extra weight puts more load on ligaments. It raises the risk of problems like cruciate tears.
Harder breathing — Extra weight makes it harder to breathe and harder to cope with heat and exercise.
Other health problems —Carrying too much weight is linked to diabetes, heart strain and a shorter life.
Slower recovery — An overweight dog recovering from surgery or injury has a harder, slower road back.

Why It Matters

Weight gain sets off a cycle. The dog gets heavier, so moving hurts more. Moving hurts, so the dog moves less. Moving less means more weight and less muscle, which makes the next step worse. Left alone, the dog gets steadily less mobile and less comfortable.

Getting the weight off breaks that cycle. Less load on the joints means less pain. Less pain means more movement. More movement means more muscle and less weight. The whole thing can turn around with the right plan.

It's also one of the most effective things you can do for a dog with arthritis or a joint problem. For those dogs, losing weight often does more for their comfort than anything else.

Food

Food is half the picture. You can't exercise a dog thin if they're eating too much.

A few things that help:

Know how much you're feeding— Measure meals instead of guessing. The amount on the packet is a starting point, not a rule, and many dogs need less.
Count the treats— Treats, chews and table scraps add up fast. They often make up more of the day's food than owners realise.
Pick the right food— Some dogs do better on a food made for weight control. Your vet can advise on this.
Check the body, not just the scales— You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, and see a waist from above.

Every dog is different, so the right diet depends on your dog's age, health and weight. We can give general guidance, but for a proper feeding plan your vet is the best place to start. They can rule out any medical cause for the weight and set a safe target.

How we help

Exercise is the other half. The problem is that an overweight dog often can't manage normal exercise. Their joints won't take it, and too much too soon leaves them sore. Rehab gives them a way to move and burn energy without that strain.

The treatments we usually use for weight management are:

Hydrotherapy— Exercise in water is ideal for heavier dogs. The water holds the dog's weight, so they can move and work hard without loading their joints. It burns energy and builds muscle while staying gentle on the body. For many overweight dogs it's the safest way to get moving.
Laser therapy — Used to ease pain and inflammation in joints that are already sore from carrying extra weight, so movement is more comfortable.
Targeted exercises — Movements set to your dog's level, to build muscle and keep them moving as the weight comes off.

We build a plan around your dog and adjust it as they lose weight and get fitter. We work alongside your vet's advice on diet and on any health issues.

If your dog is carrying extra weight, talk to your vet first for a check-up and a target weight. From there, we're happy to help with the exercise side and keep your dog moving safely.