Dog obesity is on the rise in the UK, with half of all pooches now overweight – and it’s certain breeds that are most at risk of piling on the pounds, according to the latest research
The 8 dog breeds most prone to obesity have been unveiled following a study of more than 20,000 pooches identified as high-risk breeds.
The way we show love to our pets is vital for their long-term health. Currently, 66 per cent of dog owners use treats as their main form of affection, the pet food brand Omni reports.
However, many of these treats contain allergy-triggering ingredients like chicken or beef and are high in calories, contributing to weight gain. Over half of UK dogs are overweight, and 10-20 per cent suffer from allergies and food sensitivities.
Yet, many owners struggle to spot the warning signs. While 50 per cent correctly identify excessive scratching as a symptom of allergies, fewer recognise other symptoms like excessive paw licking (70-80 per cent), Diarrhoea (50-60 per cent) and waxy ears (21 per cent).
According to the brand’s research, the dog breed at the most risk of being overweight is the Pug, which is 3.12 times more likely than crossbreeds. Coming in second place is the loveable Beagle, followed by the Golden Retriever.
Here is the full list of the dog breeds most prone to being overweight:
- Pug (3.12x more likely than crossbreeds)
- Beagle (2.67x more likely)
- Golden Retriever (2.58x more likely)
- English Springer Spaniel (1.98x more likely)
- Border Terrier (1.72x more likely)
- Labrador Retriever (1.70x more likely)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (1.50x more likely)
- Cocker Spaniel (1.32x more likely) (Source: VetCompass Study)
Dr Dan O’Neill, who led research into obesity in Pugs, told the British Small Animal Veterinary Association: “Many individuals in several dog breeds, including Pugs, have a high impulse to overeat embedded in their genes, but the development of obesity in Pugs is not inevitable, it depends on their access to food.
“Pug owners absolutely have the power to improve their dog’s health and welfare by keeping them lean and fit. The research is clear that obesity is the runaway top disorder in Pugs, and as people turn their attention to their own healthy New Year’s resolutions, it is an opportune time to remember that we can also make a resolution to do something that will improve the quality of life for our dogs too.”
He added: “We know that obesity is hugely harmful for typically-shaped dogs, but research shows the harms are much greater for flat-faced dogs, like Pugs, English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, where it can exacerbate the risk and severity of issues with breathing that are already so common in these dogs.”
Breeds less likely to gain weight, according to most veterinary information, include Greyhounds, Whippets and other sighthounds due to their naturally lean builds.