Like humans, overweight canines also have an increased risk of facing various health conditions. Having an overweight dog can be an exasperating experience for it. Weight problems can also exacerbate any existing conditions your dog may have. It also leaves pet owners who are very observant of the weight gain of their furry friends distraught.
Dogs can become overweight, especially if you lead a busy life and have no time to engage your pet in physical activity and your pup is not energetic. Minimal activity and chronic feeding are one of the primary causes of weight gain in dogs. Other dog breeds—like cocker spaniels, bulldogs, and golden retrievers—are more prone to weight gain issues.
Knowing how to tell that your furry friend is overweight is essential in ensuring you help them cut down to a healthy weight. A pudgy pooch may seem cute, but excess weight causes stress on joints and bones. Being overweight increases the risk of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Your dog may also have difficulty breathing and become less tolerant to heat. Read on to learn how to tell if you have an overweight dog.
Check Body Shape
You can determine that they are overheavy by looking at their body shape. Look at it from above. It may be fat if it appears oval-shaped and rotund. But if you notice the sides have a geometric build and a well-defined midriff towards their back, they likely are in the right weight.
Feel the Ribs
One primary indicator of a weight problem is the distinctive feel of your furry friend’s ribs. If you feel the ribs without the need to press them hard or the ribs are not prominent, they are not overweight. Overweight dogs have a lot of fat covering their ribs, so you cannot feel them.
Look at the Sides
A flabby waist or stomach is a sign of being overweight. View its sides to look at its waist, and check if it is raised. Ensure it is not hanging down or with an oval shape. It is essential to note that its abdomen and chest should not be at similar levels.
Check for Fat Pads
Your canine is weighty if it has excess fat on its body. You may notice some waddling fat sacks between their legs when they walk. Inspect their hips whenever you pet them. Most overweight dogs have fat pads on their hip area.
Examine Actions
Overweight and obese canines are often inactive. They spend more time scarfing down their meals. Your dog may be fat if they have trouble walking, breathing, and moving around. You also encourage obesity if you free-feed your dog throughout the day.
Weigh Your Dogs
Use a weigh-in at the veterinarian to know if they are obese or overweight. A specialist can tell whether the dog has surpassed the recommended weight for its breed and size. Every species has a different recommended healthy weight. For example, your veterinarian will recommend that sighthounds, a type of dog breed, should have visible ribs.
For more about overweight dogs, visit Madison Animal Care Hospital at our office in Madison, Alabama. Call 256-461-7575 to book an appointment today. For emergencies, call (256) 715-8389.
