Five Ways to Prevent Obesity in Your Spaniel

• Feed portions appropriate for your spaniel's size, age and activity level

• Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake

• Keep up consistent daily exercise

• Monitor your dog’s body condition regularly

• Avoid using food as the main way to show affection

Spaniels are prone to weight gain thanks to their love of food and, in some cases, a tendency toward lower activity as they age. Carrying extra weight puts strain on joints, increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and can shorten a dog's life by years, so prevention is crucial.

Feed portions appropriate for your spaniel's size, age and activity level

Guesswork is the enemy of weight control. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scales to portion food according to the guidelines on the packaging, adjusted for your individual dog's activity level and body condition, not just their breed or weight alone.

It's worth re-weighing food portions every few months, especially after any change in exercise routine, age or neutering status, as calorie needs shift over time. A dog that was perfectly portioned as an energetic two-year-old may need less as a more sedate seven-year-old.

Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake

Treats add up fast, and many owners underestimate just how many calories they're adding through the day. As a rule of thumb, treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily calories, with the rest coming from a balanced main diet.

Swap calorie-dense treats for lower-calorie options like small pieces of carrot, green beans or specially formulated low-calorie training treats. Breaking treats into smaller pieces also stretches them further during training sessions.

Keep up consistent exercise

Spaniels are an active breed and need regular, varied exercise. Daily walks combined with off-lead time for sniffing and running help burn calories and keep muscle tone, which supports a healthy metabolism.

Consistency matters more than intensity. A reliable daily routine of 45-60 minutes, split across one or two walks, is generally more effective for weight control than one long walk followed by several sedentary days.

Monitor your dog’s body condition regularly

Scales only tell part of the story. Learning to check your dog's body condition score – feeling for ribs without heavy padding and looking for a visible waist from above – gives a clearer picture of healthy weight than numbers alone.

Run your hands along your spaniel's sides every couple of weeks. If ribs are hard to feel under a layer of fat, or the waist has disappeared, it's time to review food and exercise levels before things progress further.

Avoid using food as the main way to show affection

Many owners reach for treats as a way to show love, comfort an anxious dog or fill time, but this habit is one of the fastest routes to weight gain. Affection can be shown through play, fuss and quality time just as effectively as through food. If your spaniel always seems hungry, redirect that energy into training games or puzzle feeders that offer engagement and a small reward, rather than handing out treats freely throughout the day.

Keeping your spaniel at a healthy weight is the best thing for their long-term health and happiness. Small, consistent changes to portions, treats and exercise make a big difference over time.