Every summer a lot of us notice our dogs slowing down — shorter walks, more naps in the shade, maybe a little extra roundness by the end of summer. We put your most common summer questions to our vet to help support dog moms and their dogs.
Do dogs gain weight in summer?
Yes, this can be more common than most owners realize. More than half of dogs in the US currently carry excess weight, with recent industry surveys putting the figure at roughly a third to over a third of dogs classified as overweight or obese by their owners — and clinical assessments tend to run even higher than owner estimates.1 2
Why would dogs gain weight in summer specifically?
A few things tend to happen at once during the warmer months:
- Less exercise. Heat makes long walks harder on both ends of the leash, and research has found a clear link between reduced activity and higher rates of canine obesity — dogs walked less often and for shorter stretches were more likely to be overweight. 3
- More snacking. Summer brings BBQs, travel, house guests, and a general loosening of routine — all of which quietly add extra calories. Research on canine obesity has pointed to feeding patterns, number of treats, and food type as meaningful contributors to weight gain. 4
- Owners don't always notice. One of the most consistent findings in pet obesity research is a perception gap — many owners rate their dog's body condition as "normal" even when a vet would classify it as overweight. 2
How do I know if my dog has actually gained weight?
Don't rely on "he looks fine" — that's exactly where the perception gap tends to hide. Instead:
- Run a body condition check: feel for ribs (you should be able to feel them without
heavy pressing; they should feel like the back of your hand with your palm flat)
and look for a visible waist from above. - Track weight at the same time of day, ideally at each vet visit
- If you're not sure, ask your vet for a body condition score at your next appointment — it takes seconds and catches things scales alone can miss
What should I do if my dog is gaining weight in summer?
- Swap a midday walk for an early morning or evening one, when it's cooler and safer for paws and airways
- In general, food portions can stay consistent even if activity dips, however keep
in mind that treats should only make up 10% of a dog’s calorie consumption - Watch table scraps and BBQ leftovers — these add up faster than they seem
- Reassess with your vet if the trend continues past a few weeks
Is there a connection between seasonal weight gain and joint health?
Yes — this is why both questions belong in the same conversation. The earlier cartilage
support begins, the more it works as prevention rather than damage control. But breed,
age, weight history, and any existing conditions should guide the decision for your
specific dog — which is exactly why more frequent weight checks during summer and
joint conversations tend to go hand in hand.
If you're noticing any of these signs in your own dog — whether it's a little extra weight or a little extra stiffness — don't wait for your next annual visit. Book a quick body condition and mobility check with your vet. It's a fast, easy way to catch small changes before they become bigger ones, and to make sure your dog is set up for a comfortable, active summer and beyond.
When should I start joint supplements for my dog?
Earlier than most people think. Joint supplements aren't just for senior dogs already showing stiffness — vets increasingly frame them as preventive care, started before symptoms appear rather than after.
What age should different dog breeds start joint supplements?
- Large and giant breeds ((Labradors and Goldens, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and similar) — as early as 1–2 years old, since their size puts extra load on joints from a young age
- Medium and smaller breeds — typically between 2–5 years old, or at the first sign of stiffness, slowness to rise, or reluctance to jump
- Any dog carrying extra weight — excess weight adds measurable extra load to joints with every step, and previously overweight dogs may benefit from starting joint support younger than their breed or size guidelines alone would suggest
What are the signs my dog needs joint support?
- Slower to get up after resting
- Hesitating before stairs or jumping into the car
- Less enthusiasm for walks or play
- A visible change in gait, especially after activity
How do I choose the right joint supplement for my dog?
Not all joint supplements are created equal, and the ingredient list and manufacturing standards matter just as much as when you start.
Ingredients to look for:
-
Glucosamine and chondroitin — the most established combination, supporting
cartilage repair and joint fluid production; an excellent combination as a precursor
to help prevent arthritis - MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) — helps reduce inflammation in joints and connective tissue
- Fish oils and egg shell membrane are also helpful to aid in arthritis once it is present
Quality and manufacturing standards to check:
- Made in an FDA-registered facility — a baseline indicator of manufacturing oversight
- Produced by a NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) Preferred Supplier — NASC audits members on quality control, adverse event reporting, and label accuracy, which is a meaningful quality signal in an industry that isn't otherwise tightly regulated
- Clear, transparent labeling of ingredient sourcing and dosing
Given these standards, Reggie's Morning Hip and Joint Chews are made in an FDA-registered facility by a NASC Preferred Supplier, so pet parents can feel confident in both the ingredient quality and the manufacturing standards behind them.
Reference:
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention — petobesityprevention.org/articlesandnews
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 2022 Survey Results — petobesityprevention.org/2022
- "Overweight dogs exercise less frequently and for shorter periods" (PMC) — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5465938
- dvm360, "Obesity in dogs, Part 1: Exploring the causes and consequences of canine obesity" — dvm360.com
