DENVER/August 28, 2025 – A new study looking at obesity in specific breeds and spay/neuter timing provides new information for dog owners and veterinarians. The team reported that breed confers overweight and obesity risk. Their findings were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“We hope our study helps veterinarians and clients make informed decisions for their dog, especially in breeds at higher risk for obesity and overweight outcomes,” said Valerie Benka, Program Consultant at ACC&D and lead investigator. “This might involve timing of spay/neuter, but it’s also essential to remember that diet and exercise decisions are huge contributors to maintaining a healthy weight.”
The study builds on an earlier Foundation-funded project. In that initial study, researchers looked at anonymized data from over 155,000 dog health records from Banfield Pet Hospital clinics and found that risk of obesity differed with a dog’s body size and age at sterilization.
The multidisciplinary research team, convened by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), wanted to delve deeper into specific breeds within these size groups. What the team found was that certain breeds were vulnerable to overweight and obese outcomes – examples included pugs and Labrador retrievers. Timing of spay/neuter can compound this risk.
“Our collaborative research highlights the importance of moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to sterilization, allowing veterinarians to better tailor care,” said Dr. JoAnn Morrison of Mars Veterinary Health, which includes Banfield Pet Hospitals among its global network of veterinary clinics.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $170 million in more than 3,100 critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Lindsey Washington
