Weight loss for senior dogs - A vet’s guide

Hello to our pet family! 

Today, we are going to talk about why weight management is crucial for senior dogs. We will start with one example. If your dog’s “sit” command is turning into a slow-motion squat, it might be time to rethink putting your dog on a diet. 

As dogs age, their metabolism and activity levels slow down, and weight gain becomes a huge problem. A few extra pounds are not harmless and put your dog at an increased risk of many serious health conditions. This includes diabetes, joint pain and reduced mobility, respiratory issues, and heart diseases. 

The good news? With the right diet, portion control, and regular exercise, you can help your dog stay at a healthy weight and enjoy their golden years comfortably.

Managing your senior dog’s weight is not just about looks - it’s about keeping your dog healthy for years to come. Let’s dive into the process of weight loss for senior dogs! 

Jump To:

• Identifying if Your Senior Dog Needs to Lose Weight
• Adjusting Diet for Senior Dog Weight Loss
• Safe Exercise Plans for Senior Dogs
• Monitoring Weight Loss Progress
• Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
• Supplements & Special Considerations for Senior Dogs
• When to Seek Veterinary Help

Identifying if your senior dog needs to lose weight

Very often, pet owners notice that their senior dogs gain weight and it is most likely due to their slow metabolism. For those who aren’t very good at noticing these things, the Body Condition Score (BCS) is a very handy and helpful tool.  

So, what exactly is BCS? In summary, it is a practical tool that ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 meaning that your pet is extremely underweight, 4 and 5 being ideal, and 9 indicating severe obesity. But if you want to better understand it, check out our article on: Is Your Dog Overweight?

 

Signs of excess weight in senior dogs 

You should always monitor the signs your dog is showing. Even if you are not good at determining the BCS, the signs that your dog is overweight are pretty obvious. Here are some of the most common signs:

●       Difficulty moving: If your dog is moving in slow motion, and struggles to stand up or lay down, the chances of being overweight are very high. You can also observe this while your dog is climbing stairs, or getting out of the car. The reason behind this is very simple - the extra weight is putting extra strain on their joints. Read more about: 3 Vet Tips to Get Your Senior Dog Moving Again

●       Shortness of breath: Even minor physical activities will produce a panting noise from your dog. Some dogs show this sign after short walks, or even when resting. If you own a brachycephalic dog breed, this is an exception because they always produce some noise due to the restricted airway conditions. But you should track the intensity of this noise in brachycephalic dogs and see whether your flat-faced dog is becoming overweight.

●       Reluctance to exercise: This is a sign that your dog is becoming lazy and the reason behind it is of course the excess weight. Overweight dogs avoid walks because their extra weight puts additional pressure on the joints. In translation, this means they don’t enjoy the walks in the park anymore.

●       Appetite and drinking habits changes: Overweight dogs are at increased risk of metabolic issues and diabetes is one of them. This disease can contribute to increased thirst and hunger. 

There is a high risk of other diseases like arthritis, joint pain, Cushing’s disease, and hyperthyroidism. To avoid these common diseases that arise from excess weight, regular vet check-ups are crucial. Your vet will perform a full health assessment approach and if he determines your dog is overweight, you will receive a weight loss plan. 

 

Adjusting diet for senior dog weight loss

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), losing weight in dogs and people is about 60-70% diet and 30-40% exercise. So, diet is the first thing you should work on once you realize your dog is overweight. 

We at Jope, focus on four things when it comes to losing weight. Choosing the right dog food, finding healthy treats and supplements, and giving balanced meals. Stay with us! 

Choosing the right dog food

Commercially bought foods are great, but sometimes they do not provide the right balanced meal for your dog. 

Note: To pick a good food for your pup, you must always read the label and be careful about the ingredients. 

We have 4 golden rules when it comes to choosing the right food. So, the next time you are choosing food for your dog make sure to find the following properties:

• Low in calories (be careful with the caloric concentration - kcal/kg) 

• High in proteins (for maintaining muscle mass) 

• High in fiber (to regulate digestion and improve the satiety) 

 

Low in fats and carbohydrates (to avoid weight gain)

Reputable brands have all of this information on their labels. Once you read them, you can easily determine what is the best food for your dog. 

Read More: Check out our complete guide to weight loss for dogs and learn more about the weight loss process!

Portion control & meal frequency

Determining how much to feed your overweight old pal can be very challenging. It mainly depends on weight, activity levels, and specific dietary habits (if suffering from some chronic issue). 

If your vet determines that your dog is overweight or obese, follow this advice:

●       Feed your dog twice a day or give smaller and more frequent meals

●       Measure the caloric intake based on weight, breed, age, and activity levels

●       Treats should never exceed more than 10% of total daily calories

●       Avoid free-feeding

 

Note: If you still have some concerns, consult a veterinarian to get personalized advice.

Healthy treat alternatives

Someone wise once said: Where there is a will, there is a way! If you are determined, you can and you will find healthy treatment alternatives that will significantly ease weight reduction. 

Here are our 3 options:

●       Low-calorie natural options (veggies, fruits, or lean proteins)

●       Commercial dog treats

●       Homemade low-calorie treats 

 

Read more about healthy low-calorie dog treats, with less than 5kcal per treat.

Weight loss supplements for old dogs

At Jope, our ideal high-quality product is based on these key criteria:

●       Expert Formulation: Developed by a veterinarian or nutrition specialist.

●       Science-Backed Claims: Supported by studies proving its effectiveness. Without research, there’s no guarantee the ingredients truly benefit your dog.

●       Proper Dosage: Uses the exact amounts proven effective in studies.

●       Manufactured in the U.S.: Produced in a GMP-compliant and NASC-approved facility.

●       Minimal Inactive Ingredients: Keeps unnecessary additives to a minimum.

●       Third-Party Testing: Verified to contain the correct amounts of active ingredients.

●       Veterinarian-Approved: Trusted by vets who carefully choose products for their clinics.

●       Reliable Customer Support: A responsive team ready to answer your questions as a customer.

Read More: Find out more about the different types of weight loss supplements.

 

Safe exercise plans for senior dogs

 

Getting old is not an excuse to become a couch potato - this is for both humans and dogs. Staying active is essential as dogs grow, but you need to think of an exercise plan that won’t negatively affect the joints and their overall health. We are saying this because you should be aware that your dog is not as active as it used to be in the first year of its life. 

For older dogs, you need to find low-impact activities to avoid joint strain. This will reduce the unnecessary stress on their joints. 

Here are some of our recommendations:

●       Short walks with frequent breaks

●       Swimming: But remember that not all dogs enjoy swimming. My dog for example, immediately runs away when sees water. So, do the exercise activity that your dog will enjoy and not be scared of it.

●       Gentle play and mental stimulation: Pick up your dog’s favorite toys and think of some games. If you incorporate mental stimulation during your play date, it is even better because such games can improve the cognitive health of the animal. 

Note: For your dog to enjoy the process, make sure to keep the exercise sessions short and monitor your dog for discomfort. If you notice any signs of discomfort, reduce the exercise stimulation.

 

Monitoring weight loss progress

Now we please for attention from every chubby dog owner! This is a long, but not impossible process - consistency is the key. 

The predictions are that dogs achieve their ideal weight in a timeframe from 6 to 8 months. A healthy weight loss for dogs per week is typically 1 to 2% of a dog’s current body weight, but it of course depends on the dog’s age, size, and condition. Any faster weight reduction than this might indicate a serious health concern. But also, any slower weight reduction means that you are not doing something right. 

We advise you to regularly weigh your dog every 1 to 2 weeks but use the same scale for accuracy. If you don’t see any results, re-check the calorie intake and include more daily physical activities. 

Our Tip: In these cases, the best idea is to consult a veterinarian to revise the weight loss plan and make any necessary adjustments.

 

3 Challenges in seniors & how to overcome them

Here are the most common challenges during the weight loss process and their solutions: 

 

Challenge 1: Slow weight loss due to age-related metabolism slow down.

This is part of physiology. Living beings get old and their metabolism slows down which makes weight loss more difficult. Dogs might face challenges like reduced energy levels and less muscle mass. 

Solution 1: Work on the diet plan: include more proteins and fewer calories to maintain muscle mass. Fiber can also help in these cases to increase the feeling of satiety. Practice giving your dog smaller and more frequent meals to reduce the constant hunger. 

 

Challenge 2: Managing arthritis and joint pain during physical activities. 

Senior dogs with extra weight feel pressure on their joints during walks which can limit their exercise abilities. 

Solution 2: Try to reduce the length of the physical activities. If you see that your dog is showing signs of discomfort, reduce the exercise sessions and start considering effective supplements to support joint health. 

 

Challenge 3: The weight loss process does not have any effects. 

Solution 3: To detect such a problem, you need to carefully monitor your dog’s weight every week. If you don’t see any results, consult a veterinarian to get personalized advice based on your dog’s specific health needs.

 

Supplements for senior overweight dogs

Before choosing a supplement, make sure that the supplement matches the key criteria we mentioned before. 

If you decide to incorporate a supplement, here are some of our supplement choices! 

L-Carnitine 

L-carnitine is an amino acid essential for fat metabolism and energy production. It helps transport fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are burned for energy. This process supports weight loss and boosts energy levels during activity.

A 15-week study on Labrador Retrievers fed high-calorie diets found that L-carnitine reduced food intake, increased basal metabolic rate, and promoted weight loss, especially at higher doses. This shows that it may help prevent weight gain and support a healthy metabolism in dogs.

Find out more about L-carnitine for dogs.

UC-II® collagen

We recommend this supplement for overweight dogs experiencing joint stress, discomfort, and mobility issues. UC-II®, an undenatured type II collagen from chicken sternum cartilage, supports joint health by modulating the immune response, helping to protect cartilage while reducing discomfort and supporting mobility.

By improving flexibility and mobility, this supplement makes physical activity more comfortable—an essential factor in any weight loss plan.

Also Read: Learn more about this supplement here!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

EPA and DHA are essential Omega-3 fatty acids with strong anti-inflammatory properties. Jope Hip & Joint Dog Chews is a supplement that contains high levels of omegas that help animals receive sufficient amounts of marine-sourced fatty acids. 

Studies show that dogs given Omega-3s experience improved mobility, making it easier for them to stay active and manage weight. By supporting a healthy inflammatory response and preserving cartilage, these fatty acids support overall movement, helping dogs engage in daily exercise for effective weight loss.

Probiotics 

A balanced gut microbiome is essential for weight management, especially in senior dogs with slower metabolisms. Studies prove that the very specific strains of probiotic Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301 enhanced metabolism, reduced fat accumulation, and lowered inflammation in dogs with high-fat diet-induced obesity. 

All of this will help your older dog process nutrients more efficiently and manage the weight effectively.

 

Read More about the best probiotic for dogs.

When to seek veterinary help?

 

If you don’t see any results during the process of losing weight contact a veterinarian. You will decide this after the first or second week of the weight loss process. If the scale shows the same number, you have a problem and need to seek professional help. 

Also, rapid weight loss is not good as well. It can indicate serious health issues and this also needs to be discussed with a veterinarian. If you notice any other behavior or appetite changes, we advise you to get a vet-recommended weight-loss diet. 

 

Conclusion

Last but not least, remember that ‘fluffy’ is not a body condition—it’s just a polite way of saying your dog is overweight or obese. But with consistency, you can change this. There are many ways, from diets, healthy treats, and supplements, to getting professional advice. 

Have you noticed any weight gain as your dog has gotten older? What steps did you take to manage it? We'd love to hear from you—share your experience in the comments below!