You're very proud of your pooch! And, like many proud "parents," you may show your love by rewarding it with a special treat… or two treats… or even three. But, keep in mind that everything needs to be in moderation. Just like you treat yourself with chips or ice cream every now and then, the same idea should be adopted for your small dog.

Many owners don't recognize, or refuse to acknowledge, that their dogs are getting a little heavy. Some might even consider their small dog's plump size to be a charming feature! Whether or not you think your small dog is overweight, consider the causes - and consequences - of weight gain getting the better of your small dog. As your small dog's guardian, there's no better way of expressing how much you care than maintaining its health and wellbeing. So read on, because it's never too late to get in S.H.A.P.E.™!
Causes of weight gain
Obesity in small dogs is most commonly linked to a combination of two factors: overeating and not exercising enough.

Many owners will admit to feeding their dogs leftovers, or favouring them with plenty of snacks and treats. This habit can increase around the holidays, when everyone is tempted to overindulge - including pets! But those little treats can add up to bigger problems down the road.

Sometimes overeating can be an issue for small dogs with finicky tastes, as feeding habits can change to compensate for boredom. There's also the potential of overfeeding energy-dense food - which small dogs need only if they're actually burning it off. For those small dogs that live a sedentary lifestyle, such as in urban environments, they tend to store those calories instead of expending them through activity.

Obesity can also be caused by hereditary or genetic factors, hormonal or glandular problems, or a combination of these things. Whatever the cause, if left untreated, weight control issues can end up taking the spunk out of your small dog's stride.

Weight check: a quick inspection
To determine whether your small dog is overweight, run your fingertips (without applying pressure) against the direction of your little friend's coat to see if you can detect its rib cage. If you can detect individual rib bones, then your little friend is at a healthy weight. However, if the rib bones are sticking out and you can see them, too, then your small dog is most likely underweight.
If there's some extra padding on your dog's ribs and in the groin area between its hind legs, then it's likely that your little friend is overweight.

For a more detailed assessment of your small dog's weight, complete the WALTHAM® S.H.A.P.E.™ Guide to determine your small dog's weight condition.

The costs of canine obesity
If you've given your precious pooch too much food when it was a puppy, it's quite probable that your small dog now faces weight issues that have caused other complications like orthopaedic problems and fatigue or discomfort during exercise and play.

Extra weight can put a strain on your little friend's bones and joints, causing dysplasia. It can also aggravate arthritis problems.

But there are other, less obvious issues that overweight small dogs face, like respiratory problems, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, poor coat and skin conditions, and heat intolerance.

Other difficulties can arise, too, like the inability to fight infections and the higher risk of complications during surgery and general anaesthesia. If you want your small dog to live a longer healthy life, you need to commit to a new diet and exercise plan for your little companion.

Five steps to control your small dog's weight
If you've determined that your small dog is overweight, the good news is that you can take action to turn the condition around. Here are a few guidelines for helping your special friend shape up and slim down.

First, take your small dog to the veterinarian for a check-up, and make sure it receives treatment for any medical problems that may be contributing to its obesity. Your vet will also recommend a new diet and exercise plan for your small dog.

You will need to stop giving your dog treats and you should cut out feeding leftovers altogether. Reward good behaviour with praise and interaction rather than food.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend a lower calorie dog food that has been specifically formulated for weight loss for small dogs. When serving, measure out a consistent amount each time, so as to avoid increasing the serving size. The suggested serving on the package is a good guideline to follow, but each small dog is different, so observe whether your dog needs more or less than the recommended amount.

Ensure that you gradually increase your small dog's activity levels over time if it has been fairly inactive. Remember, your little friend is adjusting to this new lifestyle change, so take it for short walks more frequently and show your "little baby" lots of affection and play. See our Fit and Fabulous article for information on a suitable regimen.

Plump pooches
If your adult small dog has led a sedentary lifestyle up to now, more encouragement may be required to keep your precious pooch at its proper weight level. Take your small dog to your veterinarian first to discuss appropriate activities and pace for your little companion's condition.

To get your small dog's weight on track, always start a routine slowly and work it up to more intense activity. Be sure to look for signs of fatigue and stop when you see them. Start with 10 minutes, then work your way up to a half-hour or so over a period of several days or even several weeks, depending on how out of shape your small dog is. Try mixing up the routine between walks, light runs, game playing, and other activities to keep your small dog interested and enthusiastic. The road back to optimal weight will be gradual. However, paying attention and taking action will have a direct impact on improving your small dog's quality of life long term. Start off small - instead of giving it excessive treats, give it more hugs. Also, by slowly increasing your small dog's exercise routine, you can both stay fit and healthy. Now that's easy to swallow!

The information above is of a general nature, and may be used as a handy guide to help you monitor your pet's well being and development. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. All decisions regarding your pet are your responsibility.