07/05/2026
As we’re heading into summer and (hopefully!) some warmer weather, we wanted to draw attention to the importance of a healthy dog weight during the heat ☀️
A fit, healthy dog is important year-round to ensure our fluffy friends stay happy and full of life for as long as possible! Overweight dogs have an increased risk of ill health including chronic joint pain, heart disease, cancer, and reduced lifespans. During summer months, obese dogs are also at a significant risk of over heating. Brachycephalic breeds (flat faced dogs like frenchies/bulldogs) who are overweight face an extremely high risk of getting heatstroke due to their general respiratory issues meaning they are not able to cool down effectively. Excess fat provides insulation keeping dogs warmer than they should be but also tends to limit lung capacity so dogs are unable to pant adequately to cool off
This Body Condition Score chart shows what an ideal body type looks like, and owners are encouraged to talk to their vets during regular check-ups to ensure our dogs are remaining happy, healthy, and fit! They’ll need to be fit to be able to enjoy playtime in our hilly fields 😂
The PDSA have some great information about how to determine if your dog is a healthy weight, and a handy leaflet for tips on how to achieve and maintain it: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/get-involved/our-campaigns/weigh-up/your-dog
