Health
Obesity can be dangerous for dogs, experts warn — here’s how to help your pudgy pup lose weight
The need to shed unwanted pounds affects not only humans, but also dogs, according to veterinary experts.
Pet obesity rates have been on the rise over the past two decades in the U.S., with 59% of dogs classified as overweight or obese in 2022, according to a report from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
Obesity can shorten a dog’s life expectancy, contribute to pain and increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, renal dysfunction, osteoarthritis and cancer, according to the report.
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So how to help your furry friend battle the bulge?
Fox News Digital spoke with several experts who offered advice for helping your pup shed some pounds.
Pet obesity rates have been on the rise over the past two decades in the U.S., with 59% of dogs classified as overweight or obese in 2022. (iStock)
Dr. Jeffrey Krasnoff, a veterinarian at Brookville Animal Hospital on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital that if your dog is gaining weight, it is important to start by seeing your veterinarian.
“Overweight dogs should be checked for underlying medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing disease (an excess of the hormone cortisol),” Krasnoff said.
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For Linda Fiordiliso — an American Kennel Club (AKC) judge who also shows bulldogs in national competitions and owns a dog grooming business in West Islip, New York — keeping her dogs in shape and healthy is a priority.
“The dog should look toned. I don’t need an Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I need a dog that looks healthy,” she said, noting that this requires monitoring the animal’s diet and exercise.
Even for dogs who aren’t on the competitive circuit, it’s important for them to remain at a healthy weight, the AKC judge told Fox News Digital.
Advice for monitoring intake
Overweight issues in dogs are usually caused by overfeeding, Krasnoff said — noting that pet owners need to be disciplined when it comes to feeding dogs the appropriate food and portions.
“Dogs can’t open refrigerators, so it must be the owners who are giving the food to their beloved dogs.”
“A lot of people give too many treats — and that’s how the dog gains weight, just like a person who eats too many snacks and then sits on the couch all day.”
Krasnoff said he’s had success with certain prescription diet foods — as long as the owner strictly adheres to the diet plan.
To reduce calorie intake, Fiordiliso said she adds frozen peas or string beans to her bulldogs’ food to help them feel fuller with fewer calories.
If your dog is gaining weight, it is important to see your veterinarian, experts agree. (iStock)
There are a variety of tactics to help dogs lose weight — starting with identifying the source of the extra calories, said Lori Asprea, a licensed veterinary technician and assistant professor at Long Island University Post Veterinary Technology School.
“Perhaps the pet is being overfed at meals or is being given too many treats, or kids or other family members might be handing out extra goodies or parts of their dinner,” Asprea told Fox News Digital.
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The next step is to determine the pet’s caloric needs.
“I suggest that anyone interested in weight loss for their pet consult with their veterinarian to help them calculate the furry family member’s caloric needs,” Asprea said. “There is a base formula, but we tailor this based on pet activity, breed, health status and goals.”
For best results, reduce a pet’s daily intake gradually, veterinary experts suggest. “We never want the pet to be underfed or to have behavior and health changes from a drastic reduction in food,” an expert said. (iStock)
In households with multiple people, it can be difficult to keep track of how often the dog is fed.
Asprea recommends coming up with a plan to track what the pet gets daily — the amount of food and treats, including the calorie counts — and then comparing the actual intake with the recommended intake.
“Some of the treats out there have a lot of calories and can really pack on the pounds for our pets,” Jacqueline Geary, a licensed veterinary technician specializing in emergency and critical care on Long Island, told Fox News Digital.
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“Substituting treats with something such as a baby carrot can make a difference,” said Geary, who’s also a faculty instructor at Long Island University Post Veterinary Technology Program in Brookville, New York.
She recommends breaking treats into smaller pieces rather than giving an entire milk bone for one reward.
For best results, veterinary experts suggest reducing daily intake gradually.
“With overweight pets, just like people, we start small and make gradual changes to daily activities.”
“We never want the pet to be underfed or have behavior and health changes from a drastic reduction in food,” Asprea said.
“You can speak with your veterinarian about low-calorie snack options and certain prescription diets that are low-calorie but high in fiber, which allow pets to eat a higher quantity and feel satisfied while reducing calories,” she added.
One expert recommends breaking treats into smaller pieces rather than giving an entire milk bone for one reward. (iStock)
It’s never a good idea to try a human diet trend on your pet, experts emphasized.
For example, animal experts said there is not much research to show that intermittent fasting is effective in dogs.
“It is not a tactic we use, since the studies were fairly inconclusive and more research will be needed to better understand how something like intermittent fasting would affect our pets,” Asprea said.
“For now, we do not recommend fasting your pet unless it is medically necessary.”
Tips for keeping dogs active
Increasing activity levels not only helps pups shed pounds, it also boosts the animal’s mental and physical health, experts agree.
“The time spent being active depends on the pet’s health, age, disposition and breed,” Asprea said.
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“We always say ‘a tired pet is a good pet,’ so it’s important for owners to tune into their individual pets’ needs.”
Each animal, even within the same breed, can be different, she pointed out.
Increasing activity levels not only helps pups shed pounds, it boosts the animal’s mental and physical health, experts agree. (iStock)
“It’s worth taking note of how much they want to engage or if they have destructive behaviors because they are bored,” Asprea said.
Consult with your veterinarian before starting your furry friend on a new exercise regimen, she also said.
“As a general rule, with overweight pets, just like people, we start small and make gradual changes to daily activities so as not to overwhelm or stress them physically,” Asprea told Fox News Digital.
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There are ways to encourage lower-impact activity while being mindful of the extra stress the added pounds put on your dog’s joints.
“In my house, we play hide and seek with dinner,” Asprea said. “I take half the meal of kibbles and hide them all over and give the command to find. This is physically and mentally stimulating, all while getting dinner done.”
It’s never a good idea to try a human diet trend on your pet, veterinary experts emphasized. (iStock)
Fiordiliso suggested increasing the animal’s activity level by going on more walks and playing with a ball to get the dog moving to help burn calories for both the pet and the owner.
If at-home tactics do not seem to work, veterinary experts recommend using other services, such as physical therapy for pets.
There are also veterinarians who specialize in sports medicine and rehabilitation, using special tools like underwater treadmills to help get pets moving safely.
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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
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“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
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Comedian Amy Schumer, 44, has recently come clean about her struggle with Cushing’s syndrome, leading to a dramatic weight loss.
Schumer’s transformation has sparked conversation online, to which she responded in a now-deleted Instagram post that shut down speculation about cosmetic enhancements.
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” she emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler.
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Schumer doubled down that her weight loss was not about her appearance, but about staying alive.
“Not to look hot, which does feel fun and temporary,” she said. “I did it to survive. I had a disease that makes your face extremely puffy that can kill you, but the internet caught it and that disease has cleared.”
Amy Schumer attends Variety’s 2024 Power of Women: New York event on May 2, 2024, in New York City on the left. On the right, Schumer later poses for a photo posted to Instagram after her weight loss. (Marleen Moise/WireImage; Amy Schumer/Instagram)
“Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight,” she added. “I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro]. Sorry to anyone they let down. I’m pain free. I can [play] tag with my son.”
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The actress also addressed her shifting hormones, saying that she’s “happy to share more if anyone has any questions about how I’m looking or feeling or where I am in my perimenopause process.”
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” Schumer emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler. (Amy Schumer/Instagram)
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Schumer previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can cause extreme swelling, fatigue and potentially fatal complications.
Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist in New Jersey, provided more details on the condition in an interview with Fox News Digital.
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“Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged, high exposure to cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone,” he said. “Usually, the excess cortisol is a result of prolonged steroid use. We see this many times with patients who have some autoimmune disorder.”
Balazs said the “key” to Cushing’s syndrome is not just weight gain, but a “specific redistribution” of fat caused by too much cortisol.
Amy Schumer is photographed during a guest interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Feb. 13, 2024 (left), and later seen walking through midtown New York City on Oct. 28, 2025 (right). (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images)
Fat may be driven to the abdomen, chest, upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”) or face, sometimes considered “moon face,” the doctor said.
Cortisol also breaks down protein, which leads to a thinning in the arms and legs. “Weight gain can be tough, involuntary and hard to manage,” Balazs added.
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Cortisol stimulates “hunger centers” in the brain, raises blood sugar and promotes fat storage, especially deep belly fat, according to the doctor.
Cushing’s syndrome can also cause high blood pressure, bone loss and sometimes type 2 diabetes, per Mayo Clinic.
In addition to weight gain in certain areas, other symptoms may include pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts and underarms, as well as acne, slow wound healing, and thin, frail skin that bruises easily.
With Cushing’s syndrome, fat may accumulate in the abdomen, chest, face or upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”). (iStock)
Women with Cushing’s syndrome often experience thick, dark hair on the face and body, as well as irregular periods. Symptoms among men can include a lower sex drive, reduced fertility and erectile dysfunction.
Mayo Clinic listed other potential symptoms, including extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, trouble with concentration and memory, headache, sleeplessness, skin darkening and stunted growth in children.
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Those with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately, especially if they are taking steroids to treat health issues like asthma, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, as these medications can exacerbate the condition.
The Mayo Clinic has reported that the “sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery.”
“I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro],” Schumer stated in a social media post. (George Frey/Bloomberg)
For patients like Schumer, weight loss is typically not the main goal, Balazs noted, but it is a “critical sign” of successful treatment.
“The primary goal is to normalize your high cortisol levels,” he said. “I believe Amy Schumer got treated first for her underlying problem. Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.”
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Among GLP-1s, Mounjaro is an “excellent choice to decrease deep belly fat and increase insulin sensitivity of cells,” Balazs added.
Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.
Fox News Digital reached out to Schumer’s rep requesting comment.
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