October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month, which might not sound like a big deal—until you realize that, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APBP), nearly 60% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
Yes, more than half. And the kicker? Most of their humans have no idea.
At Golden Dog Adventure Co., we’ve seen it: the “he’s not fat, he’s just fluffy” defense, the “but she’s my baby” excuse, and the “just one more biscuit” mentality. We say it with love, because we’ve all been there. But here’s the truth—sometimes the way we show affection can quietly chip away at our dog’s health.
When “A Little Extra Love” Turns Into a Lot of Trouble
We love our dogs like family. And because we love them, we spoil them—treats, table scraps, a few extra kibbles because they “looked hungry.” It feels good, right? They’re happy, we’re happy.
But just like us, dogs can’t out-snuggle their calorie intake.
That “just one more” snack habit can snowball into weight gain that leads to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even shortened lifespan according to the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. The truth is, overweight dogs aren’t living their best lives—they’re just living heavier ones.
And according to APBP, 84% of dog owners who have overweight pets think their dogs are just fine. That’s the “fat pet gap,” and it’s fueled by love, denial, and a steady supply of biscuits.
The Sneaky Signs of “Too Much Love”
Not sure if your dog’s packing extra fluff or extra pounds? Do a quick at-home check:
- You can’t easily feel ribs under a thin layer of fat.
- There’s no defined waist when viewed from above.
- The belly hangs down instead of tucking up.
- Walks are shorter, slower, or skipped altogether.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time for a heart-to-heart—with your vet, not your dog. They can help determine your pup’s Body Condition Score (BCS) and help you create a simple, sustainable plan for getting back to a healthy weight. (You can also explore APBP’s Weight Check Guide for visuals.)
How Good Intentions Go Bad
Here’s how that extra “love” sneaks in:
- Too many treats: Even healthy ones add up fast. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Supersized portions: “Eyeballing it” with a scoop instead of measuring by weight can mean hundreds of extra calories.
- Human food: A few fries or pizza crusts might seem harmless—but dogs are smaller, and those calories hit harder.
- Post-spay/neuter changes: After sterilization, many dogs need fewer calories, but we rarely adjust their diets.
- Low activity: As the days get shorter, walks get shorter too. (We get it—it’s dark and cold. Still matters, though.)
And here’s a fun fact: research shows a link between owners’ habits and their dogs’ body condition. So, if your dog’s shape has softened a bit, take it as an opportunity to focus on wellness together. Small, consistent steps—and a supportive community—can make all the difference. Join our new Golden Dog Wellness Community on Facebook for Club Members.
Healthier Ways to Say “I Love You”
If you really want to spoil your dog, skip the cookie jar and grab the leash instead. A few small swaps make a big difference:
- Trade food rewards for sniff walks, enrichment games, or playtime. (Check out our Adventure Calendar
for ideas.) - Use affection and attention as reinforcement—it’s free, and your dog loves it more than biscuits.
- Measure meals accurately (a food scale > a coffee mug).
- Save high-value treats for training and cut them smaller.
- Swap table scraps for crunchy veggies like carrots or green beans.
Real talk: your dog wants time with you, not half your sandwich.
Fall Is the Best Time to Reset
Cooler temps mean fewer excuses and more comfortable walks. It’s also when we all start spending more time inside—and that’s when the couch naps creep in. Keep your dog’s mind and body moving through the season with a Get Fit With Fido Class, which blends movement, community, and enrichment.
If you want extra support, our Membership connects you with guided activities, wellness events, and like-minded dog lovers working toward the same goal—healthy, happy dogs living their best lives.
The Bottom Line
We show love in lots of ways—belly rubs, walks, lazy Sundays… but when food becomes the main love language, it’s time for a reset. Because real love doesn’t come from the treat bag—it comes from helping your dog live longer, move easier, and adventure beside you for years to come.
So this October, for Pet Obesity Awareness Month, take a look at how you show your dog affection. Less snacking, more sniffing. Fewer biscuits, more bonding. And if that feels hard—good. That means you care enough to change.
