You can also keep your dog active by playing games together and/or teaching him some new tricks. Depending on your dog’s breed and age, you could go on walks up to two hours every day. You don’t want to take the fun out of it by overdoing it too quickly. If Fido is a classic couch potato, start by going on 10-15 minute daily walks, and gradually increase the length over time as he becomes more eager and able. If your vet has determined that your dog is in fact overweight, you’ll likely need to start implementing a more disciplined exercise routine for your furry pal. Regular exercise is good for both your dog’s physical and mental health. The good news is that by helping your pup lose weight, these issues can be reversed, or even avoided altogether. For some breeds, obesity can also lead to back problems, orthopedic issues, and respiratory issues. Some extra pounds on your pooch may not seem like a big concern, but the fact of the matter is that even being 10% overweight can predispose your pup to a variety of health conditions, including:īasically, being overweight has a good chance of decreasing your pup’s lifespan and quality of life. We know our dogs are adorable no matter what, so keeping them at a healthy weight isn’t just about appearance. If it hangs down lower than the chest, your pooch might be packing some extra pounds. You’ll want to see an upward-sloping tummy area. Try looking at your dog from the side as well. If your dog is more round and oval-shaped, almost blimp-like, then he’s probably overweight. You’ll want to see a defined waist, similar to an hourglass figure. Some dogs will also have excess fat between their legs or on the tops of their hips, which add some extra wiggle to their walk.Īnother method is to look at Fido from above. If it’s difficult to feel the ribs, there may be too much fat getting in the way. If you’re unsure whether your dog is overweight or not, try the standard rib test: check to see if you can easily feel his ribs when you place your hands at his side. Alternatively, you can opt for some visual cues to determine whether your dog is in danger of becoming obese. Your first instinct may be to set your pet on the scale, but keep in mind that the ideal weight varies by breed. With those numbers, there’s a good chance your furry friend could weigh more than what’s ideal for dogs of his breed. A 2018 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 55% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Even if Fido lives a relatively active lifestyle, all it takes to gain weight is to consume more calories than he’s burning.ĭogs are considered overweight if they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight, and obese when that number is more than 20%. Of course we want our dogs to be happy and healthy, but somehow canine obesity has slipped under the radar for many pet owners. After all, dogs are called “man’s best friend” for a reason. Table of Contents Is Your Dog Overweight? The Dangers of Dog Obesity
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