Dog health & weight articles

A weight-loss plan that works for a 3-year-old dog isn't automatically safe for an 11-year-old one. Here's what actually changes, and why.

It's a strong claim: extra weight costs a dog years of life. Here's what the actual research behind that claim found, and what it does and doesn't prove.

An overweight dog's joints are already under strain, so the exercise that helps has to be chosen carefully. Here's what actually works, safely.

The feeding chart on a dog food bag is a rough guess at best. Here's how to find the number that actually matters, and use it properly.

Neutering and spaying genuinely change how many calories a dog needs. Here's what the research actually says, and how to adjust before the weight creeps on.

Puppy weight gain looks nothing like adult weight gain, and the rules are different too. Here's what's normal, and when a growth pattern is worth a vet visit.

Before you assume your dog is just greedy, it's worth knowing that some breeds carry a gene that genuinely makes them hungrier, not just harder to say no to.

Vets don't guess at calorie needs, they use a formula. Here's exactly how it works, with worked examples so you can do the maths for your own dog.

Vets don't rely on a number on a scale to judge weight, they use a hands-on check called body condition score. Here's exactly how to do it at home.