19/11/2025
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can make a huge difference to your dog’s overall wellbeing. But keeping your dog in good shape does more than help their waistline — it also reduces the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
With November being Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, we’ve put together some simple, enjoyable ways to help keep your dog fit, healthy, and full of life.
Why weight matters
Carrying extra weight puts strain on your dog’s joints, heart, and lungs. Over time, it can also affect how their body manages blood sugar, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Maintaining an ideal weight lowers this strain and supports a better quality of life.
Daily exercise that suits your dog
Dogs have different activity needs depending on age, breed, and health, but most benefit from:
🐾 Daily walks: Aim for two walks a day to keep them active and mentally stimulated.
🐾 Playtime: Games like fetch or hide-and-seek help burn energy.
🐾 Training sessions: Short, fun exercises keep their mind and body engaged.
🐾 Off-lead time: Safe, enclosed areas allow them to run freely and let off steam.
⚠ If your dog hasn’t been active recently, increase exercise gradually to avoid injury.
Healthy eating habits
What your dog eats is just as important as exercise. To help maintain a healthy weight:
🐾 Measure meals: Follow your vet’s advice on portion sizes.
🐾 Choose quality food: Pick a complete, balanced diet suitable for their age and lifestyle.
🐾 Limit treats: Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories.
🐾 Avoid table scraps: Human foods can be high in fat, salt, or sugar, leading to weight gain.
Small, consistent changes to your dog’s routine can help them stay lean, energetic, and at lower risk of weight-related health problems. A healthy dog is a happy dog — and keeping them in shape is one of the best ways to show you care.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, book an appointment with our vets for a full nose-to-tail health check.