Goldendoodles love eating! They will eat nearly everything, and you must be cautious not to leave your own food out by accident! They’ll grab it right away and pretend to be unconcerned! If you feel your Goldendoodle is gaining weight and want to know what you can do about it, you’re in luck!
Today we’ll talk about how to help a Goldendoodle lose weight, as well as some very good reasons why this is so important for this lovely breed, as well as some warning signs to look for if the extra weight is a symptom of anything else.
Table of Contents
Do Goldendoodles Tend To Be Overweight?
Goldendoodles require significantly more living space and activity than other dogs, yet they are not prone to obesity. They have about the same chance of becoming overweight as most other dogs, which is pretty high at around 60%!
They are, nevertheless, more likely than other dogs to develop fatty tumors, which your veterinarian may monitor.
Why Do Goldendoodles Become Overweight?
There are various possible causes for your Goldendoodle’s weight growth. There isn’t always a straightforward response, just as there isn’t always a simple answer with humans. We’ve included the most common explanations below to offer a more clear response.
Goldendoodles Are Quick To Beg (And To Get The Snacks They Ask For)
Goldendoodles learn quickly that asking for food equals rewards if they are not stopped from doing so from the start. If your Goldendoodle is new, you should encourage them to quit doing this since it will be much more difficult later (and, let’s be honest, it’s tough for us too).
Goldendoodles Aren’t Always Picky About Snacks
Goldendoodles like a broad range of meals. Some Goldendoodles, for example, chew vegetables, which is beneficial since it cleans their teeth slightly. Having said that, they appear to enjoy almost everything appetizing and eat quickly. This makes it easy to think they didn’t eat enough, which might lead to overfeeding if you’re not careful.
Medical Conditions
Existing medical issues, or even the therapies for them, might slow down your dog’s metabolism, causing him to acquire weight. Some food modifications can frequently assist, but it’s always a good idea to see your veterinarian, as they may be able to modify the amount or kind to lessen these side effects while still providing effective therapy.
Age
Female Goldendoodles are more likely to become overweight, and spaying can increase the chances of future obesity.
Gender
Female Goldendoodles are actually more prone to becoming overweight, and spaying can increase the likelihood of later obesity.
What Are The Signs Your Goldendoodle Is Overweight?
You may use a variety of approaches to determine whether your Goldendoodle is potentially overweight. We’ve included some of the basics so you can double-check on your own.
Check Their Ribs
To begin with, if your dog’s ribs are clearly apparent, he is obviously underweight! This is OK if they are barely visible and may be felt when gently caressing your dog.
If you have to pet your dog more forcefully to feel his or her ribs, he or she may be gaining weight. If your dog has a large belly and the ribs can only be felt with more force than you would use while touching him or her, he or she may be overweight (or ill). Consult your veterinarian; they should be able to identify the issue right away.
Age Is A Factor As Well
Because older dogs are less active, they tend to gain a few pounds as they become older. Puppies are less of a problem since they acquire a fatty layer in their early years, so being a little plump is really very normal.
Check Against The Standards
There are several typical weights you may use if you want to undertake a home weigh-in for your dog to see how they compare. It will mostly depend on their height and gender. Females should weigh 19 to 22 pounds, while males should weigh 22 to 24 pounds.
Following that, you should evaluate your dog’s height. If your dog is longer than 13 inches, a weight of 25 to 35 pounds is ideal; dogs shorter than this should weigh 22 to 30 pounds.
Does Your Goldendoodle Have Difficulty Grooming Lately?
Another indicator that your dog is gaining weight is a dramatic change in his or her grooming. If they appear to be having difficulties accessing typical spots, it may be time for a diet modification or, at the absolute least, a visit to your veterinarian.
Does Your Dog Tire More Easily Than Usual?
Goldendoodles are energetic dogs. While it lowers as they age, you won’t normally notice them getting tired very quickly unless they are significantly older or have gained a little unhealthy weight. When you take them out, you may notice that they stop more frequently than usual.
How To Help Your Goldendoodle Lose Weight
You have a multitude of wonderful options for helping your dog get a little more fit, trim, and healthy if you’ve decided that your dog is somewhat overweight. While you won’t see results right away, following one or more of the Goldendoodle-lifestyle changes described below will surely make a difference in the long run.
Extra Play Time
One of the best ways to help your Goldendoodle lose weight is also a lot of fun! When you’ve had your dog for a long time, the two of you may develop a more easygoing relationship when it comes to playing.
New toys and additional outside time can be beneficial, and Goldendoodles respond nicely to the extra attention. Everyone will be a wonderful time!
Higher Protein Content In Their Diet Can Help
Some commercial dog meals are really harmful to your Goldendoodle. They have poor protein levels and are frequently heavy in fat content, so it may be time to switch to higher-quality dog foods. For the greatest results, look for products that don’t include grains and have more fresh meat.
Having said that, it is still a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any big dietary adjustments.
Veggie Treats Are A Great Idea
Goldendoodles enjoy a wide variety of meals, so you can frequently get away with sometimes giving them a fruit or vegetable treat. Your Goldendoodle may already have favorite foods, like bananas or carrots, which you may feed more frequently.
Make sure kids consume in moderation, and bear in mind that some veggies may require preparation beforehand. Finally, ask whether your veterinarian or a credible veterinary website has an ‘approved’ list that you may use.
Keep A Regular Exercise Schedule
A regular walking plan (or a more frequent timetable) is a good notion that is also good for you! If your dog likes swimming, it is also a great option for overweight dogs. Because the water supports the dog’s weight, your Goldendoodle may get a lot of exercise while placing little pressure on his or her body.
Just remember to acquire your Goldendoodle a doggy life vest, and you’ll have a new summer activity to enjoy together.
Count Those Calories
Calorie counting, while unpleasant, is an efficient method of reducing weight. Your veterinarian can help you figure out how many calories your dog needs each day, which may make a big difference. While you may get calorie counts online, bear in mind that a lot depends on your dog’s level of activity.
So, ask your trusted vet for the optimal number, and you can easily build a doggy diet from there.
Watch Those Carbs As Well
Check and compare some of your household meals; you’ll see that many of them include a lot of carbs, which aren’t good for helping your Goldendoodle shed weight. Lower carb diets are a good concept that can have a big influence over time.
Divide Your Daily Servings Of Dog Food
Following up on our calorie-counting advice, another way to help your Goldendoodle lose weight is to weigh out their food portions ahead of time and split them into smaller pieces. These smaller meals should ideally be given to your dog every 4 to 6 hours.
The timing guarantees that your dog isn’t hungry, and dividing up the meal portions means that digesting the same amount of food requires more energy. More energy used = more calories burned!
Remember To Keep Things Realistic
Making dietary changes necessitates prudence, so our final piece of advice for assisting your Goldendoodle in losing weight is to keep things measured and sensible. This operation will require the involvement of your veterinarian, and the results will be gradual.
This is standard procedure, and it is carried out in the same manner every time. Your dog should lose 1 to 2 pounds every month to keep things safe and healthy. Simply be patient during the operation and move slowly and methodically, and you will see the results in due time.
What Medical Conditions Cause A Goldendoodle To Become Overweight?
A dog’s weight growth is not only due to overeating. There are various medical causes that might be at play. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common reasons which your veterinarian can easily rule out.
Parasites Are A Possibility
Intestinal parasites and parasites in other parts of the body can cause fluid retention, which can be misconstrued as weight gain. It can occasionally give your dog a pot-bellied appearance that looks to have arrived suddenly. If this is the case, a blood test performed by your veterinarian can rule out parasites.
Your Dog Could Be Pregnant
If you have an un-spayed female Goldendoodle that is suddenly acquiring a lot of weight, it might be because she is pregnant!
It Could Be Bloat
Goldendoodles eat rapidly, and while it is uncommon, all that food and air in their stomach can occasionally cause an illness known as Gastric dilatation, often known as ‘Bloat.’ This causes obvious abdominal distention as well as a host of dangerous symptoms, such as:
• Elevated heart rate
• Stomach ache
• Drooling
• Difficulties breathing
Bloat is a dangerous condition that may be fatal, so if you suspect it, take your pet to the clinic right once.
Hyperthyroidism Might Be The Cause
Hyperthyroidism is another cause of weight gain. Thyroid glands play an important role in your dog’s metabolism, and when they don’t produce enough hormones, you get a tired-looking Goldendoodle who looks to be eating less yet gaining weight. Other warning signals to look out for are:
- Itchy skin, as well as ‘coarseness’ in their hair
- General exhaustion
- Decreased heart rate
This illness is easily diagnosed by your veterinarian and is curable.
Fluid In Their Abdomen Is A Common Side Effect Of Heart Disease
Fluid in the abdomen is frequently associated with heart problems, although it can also be caused by other illnesses or organ anomalies. In this situation, the growth is visible even though your dog is still active and consuming a nutritious diet.
Any abrupt abdominal distention, on the other hand, is extremely suspicious and should be investigated so that the problem may be properly diagnosed and treated.
It Could Be Hyperadrenocorticism
This disorder, more widely known as Cushing’s disease, results from the overproduction of hormones connected to your dog’s metabolism, and in addition to the swollen belly, there are some other telltale symptoms to watch for that should require an emergency vet visit:
- Severe muscle fatigue
- Dramatically increased appetite and thirst
- Hair loss may occur
Medication Side-effects Are Also Possible
If your Goldendoodle is on medicine and doesn’t seem to be losing weight despite all of your dietary and activity changes, it might be because of the medication. Some drugs can cause your dog to gain weight over time, and it might happen slowly enough that you may not notice the cause.
If you feel this is the case, speak with your veterinarian about that specific medicine. Your doctor may recommend other medicines or strategies to deal with your Goldendoodle’s unexpected weight increase.
What Are The Risks Of A Goldendoodle Being Overweight?
Overweight Goldendoodles are at a much higher risk of a range of issues. This is because current research indicates that fat is biologically active.
Previously, it was considered that fat was just utilized for energy storage, but these studies found that fat may really release inflammatory hormones that can cause a range of problems over time. We’ve included some of the most important risks associated with having an overweight dog.
Increased Chance Of Heart Disease
Obesity dramatically raises your Goldendoodle’s risk of developing heart problems later in life.
Diabetes Risk Is Higher
According to research, overweight dogs are 2.6 percent more likely to develop canine Diabetes. Obese Goldendoodles are prone to ‘Sugar Diabetes,’ also known as ‘diabetes mellitus.’ In essence, your dog generates too much insulin, resulting in pancreatic damage and, eventually, Diabetes.
Cancer Risk Also Grows
Cancer is also more common in overweight pets. Overweight Goldendoodles are more likely than other breeds to develop fatty tumors, so keeping a constant watch on their weight is crucial.
Joint Damage And Arthritis Issues
Obese dogs are also more prone to joint damage and arthritis. In fact, 25% of overweight dogs are in danger of significant joint damage as a result of their extra weight. Bone degeneration may also occur as a result of the increased weight’s cumulative influence over time.
Hypertension
Hypertension, often known as “high blood pressure,” is more frequent in overweight dogs.
Urinary Bladder Stones
Overweight dogs, according to the Morris Animal Foundation, are more likely to develop painful calcium oxalate bladder stones. These crystal stones can make your Goldendoodle more prone to urinary tract infections and, in extreme situations, completely impede urine flow.
Reduced Overall Life Expectancy
While it was previously thought that being overweight would reduce a dog’s estimated lifespan by 6 to 12 months, the current study suggests that the impact can be considerably larger in some breeds. Goldendoodles are among these breeds, and their lives might be cut short by up to two years!
Want To Train Your Goldendoodle With Peace Of Mind?
If you haven’t trained your Goldendoodle properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your Goldendoodle has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.
With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and, most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
And in most cases, it’s still going to be:
- Cheaper than hiring a professional.
- Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
- And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Goldendoodle completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!
So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
(You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)
FAQ
How Much Should A Goldendoodle Eat?
Adult Goldendoodles, despite their voracious appetite, require one cup of high-quality food each day, half of which should be supplied in the morning and the other half in the evening. Puppies require double the amount. It all boils down to their calorie requirements.
Adult Goldendoodles need 45 calories per pound of body weight, whereas puppies need 55 calories per pound of body weight. Senior dogs require the fewest calories per pound, at 42. More calories will be required for hunting or other more active Goldendoodles; thus, each case will be unique.
Do Goldendoodles Know When To Stop Eating?
Goldendoodles are like furry ‘Foodies,’ in that they love to taste almost any edible food (and usually a lot of inedible objects outside the house), and they don’t know when to stop. A strong and consistent ‘no,’ as well as contemplating ‘baby-proofing the house,’ can be beneficial.
The true difficulty is that these gorgeous hound dogs want to chew and taste anything that is close, and their inherent curiosity requires you to keep an eye on them.
Recap
Before we get into some frequently asked questions about how to help a Goldendoodle lose weight, we’d want to go over the information in this post today. Obesity is harmful to Goldendoodles and many other breeds, according to published research.
It is a serious but treatable illness that relates to a variety of health issues and even a potential 2-year decrease in life expectancy. We hope you will employ these weight-loss tactics for your Goldendoodle, and remember to speak with your veterinarian to determine the proper calorie mix and select some new, healthier doggy treats.
Goldendoodles like food, and you may still feed them by using the same trick as with human children. Don’t tell them that their new favorite foods are good for them!
