A study conducted by the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare’s WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition has found that overweight dogs have a higher likelihood of shorter lifespans compared to those at ideal body weights. The research, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, analyzed data from over 50,000 dogs across 12 popular breeds over two decades.
Read More
The findings indicate that overweight dogs may live up to two and a half years less than their ideal-weight counterparts, with the impact varying by breed. For instance, male German Shepherds lived about five months shorter, while male Yorkshire Terriers had a lifespan reduced by two years and six months.
Despite the significant evidence linking pet obesity to health risks, many dog owners appear unaware of these implications. In the UK, approximately 26% of households own a dog, and in the US, this figure is nearly half at 47.6%. Current estimates indicate that one in three dogs and cats in the U.S. is overweight.
Feeding practices likely contribute to this issue. A recent Better Cities For Pets survey revealed that 54% of pet owners frequently feed their dogs and cats when they beg, and 22% sometimes overfeed to keep their pets happy. Study co-author Alex German, a Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool, noted that many owners fail to recognize when their dog is overweight and the associated health risks, which can include joint disease, breathing problems, cancer, and a diminished quality of life.
German emphasized the need for careful feeding practices, suggesting that such measures could help extend a pet’s lifespan. Alarmingly, only 20% of pet owners consistently measure their pets' food portions, with most estimating their needs instead.
The retrospective study utilized data from BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals collected between April 1994 and September 2015. Researchers compared the lifespans of overweight dogs with those in optimal condition, across a range of breeds including Dachshund, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and others.
To promote healthier weight management in dogs, owners are advised to consult their veterinarian about ideal body weight, ensure adequate exercise, avoid table scraps, and regularly weigh their dogs. The full study, titled ‘Association between life span and body condition in neutered client‐owned dogs,’ can be accessed for further details.