5 signs your Chihuahua is overweight

One of the most common problems seen by veterinarians is overweight in Chihuahuas. Some signs can help you know if your dog is getting too heavy or has weight issues. So, what are the warning signs of an overweight Chihuahua? 

To get the answers to these questions, read on to find out.

Several factors can influence Chihuahua weight gain. One of the most important things is how much food they eat.

The best way to prevent Chihuahua obesity is to feed the dog smaller meals several times a day. And you need to balance food consumption with a daily exercise routine.

Overweight Chihuahuas face serious health issues. Carrying extra weight can even be fatal.

What is a healthy weight for a Chihuahua?

If you’re considering adopting a Chihuahua but haven’t had any previous experience, you may want to check out the following statistics regarding weight and health in the breed.

Chihuahuas should ideally measure between 20 and 25 inches from head to toe when fully grown. A healthy weight for a Chihuahua should measure between 7 and 11 pounds.

While some genetic factors contribute to Chihuahua weight gain, diet plays a significant role. Most overweight Chihuahuas struggle walking and need a special diet to help them lose weight.

How to help your overweight Chihuahua

The best place to start when looking for ways to help your overweight Chihuahua is to consult with your veterinarian.

Make sure you feed your overweight Chihuahua a healthy diet that’s nutritionally balanced, high in protein, and low in calories. 

Talk with your vet to find the best option.

Next, limit treats. Many dog treats are high in calories and can make your dog gain weight.

If you give your dog treats, make sure you factor the calorie count in your dog’s daily diet to avoid overfeeding your dog.

Signs your dog’s overweight

Watch for these signs and symptoms that indicate your Chihuahua is overweight. If you spot these symptoms, make sure your dog gets enough exercise.

Remember that being overweight is just as dangerous for dogs as for people.

When the owner sees these signs or feels these symptoms, they should be addressed immediately by ensuring that the dog gets proper exercise. Remember, being overweight is a health problem for dogs, just as it is for people.

Key warning signs your Chihuahua is overweight:

• Food obsessed
• Get sick more often
• Difficulty breathing
• Become dehydrated
• Suffer heart or liver problems.

If you spot any of these symptoms in your Chihuahua, increase daily exercise and consider changing your dog’s diet.

Keep your Chihuahua healthy

You can start caring for a Chihuahua by feeding your dog once or twice a day (around 6 to 8 hours apart).

If you want to add variety to your dog’s diet, try feeding your dog raw food that might help digestion.

Combine a healthy diet with daily exercise. Just like humans, dogs need to be physically active every day.

If you haven’t been active, start with two or three short walks around the neighborhood. As your dog gets stronger, you can increase the length of the walk or add more short walks.

Help your overweight Chihuahua shed pounds

In conclusion, carefully decide what foods to feed your Chihuahua. If the dog is overweight, work with your vet to change his food to high-fiber and healthy options.

Read labels to understand what ingredients it includes. A Chihuahua’s health depends on the quality of its food and its ingredients. Feeding him well can help reduce the chance of other conditions, such as obesity, arthritis, diabetes, skin problems, and liver disease.

Remember your dog also needs regular exercise. Don’t let your Chihuahua become a couch potato.

To help your overweight Chihuahua lose the extra pounds, gradually increase exercise, limit treats, and feed your dog a high-protein, low-calorie diet.

Tony Manhart is the editor in chief at SweetDachshunds. Tony’s a dog-lover and a gardening enthusiast who enjoys spending time outdoors with his furry family. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and likes to share experiences about what it is like to live with a furry friend.

 

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