• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

My dog’s fat. Now what do I do?

Posted June 17, 2019

 
Cartoon illustration of overweight dog sitting on scale.
To create a weight loss guide for your obese dog, start by monitoring your dog’s caloric intake more closely.

It’s common to hear about diet plans for humans. There are so many it would be impossible to name them all. Whenever people start packing on some extra pounds, they are quick to research methods to shed excess weight. But while Americans may obsess about their weight, they often fail to recognize that their pets have not only packed on the pounds but have crossed the line to become overweight dogs.

While pudgy pups might be cute, obese dogs face serious health risks. Approximately one in three dogs in the U.S. are overweight. Being just a few pounds overweight can significantly decrease the lifespan and quality of life for your dog. Dog obesity is dangerous. The long-term effects of obesity on dogs range from an increased risk for heart disease and dementia to arthritis.

Is your dog too heavy?

Dalmatian shows a trim waist. If you run your hands along your dog's sides and can't feel her ribs, it's time to put your overweight dog on a diet.
If you run your hands along your dog’s sides and can’t feel her ribs, it’s time to put your overweight dog on a diet.

Dr. Martin Goldstein, a world-renowned veterinarian, says, “An overweight cat is considered to be one that is 20 percent, or more, above the normal weight.” This percentage goes for dogs as well. Did you know that over 50% of dogs are considered overweight, and more than 20% are obese? 

The easiest way to determine if it is time to put your dog on a new diet plan is a quick checkup with your vet. If the examination isn’t in the cards right now, there are also ways for you to check them at home using the rib test.

To examine your dog, press gently on your dog’s rib cage. You should be able to feel a thin layer of fat covering the ribs. If your dog is a healthy weight, you can see and feel the ribs easily. If you feel a thick layer of fat that requires you to press hard to feel the ribs, then your dog is likely overweight or obese.

Another quick way to examine a canine is to look for a tuck in the dog’s abdomen. The easiest way to do this is for you to sit on the floor with your pet and be at eye level. Study his stomach closely. In healthy dogs, the abdomen should be tucked up higher than the bottom of his rib cage. If your dog’s abdomen presents itself in a straight line rather than tucking upwards, your dog may be obese.

Buy Dog Food Today – Shop over 1,000 Brands at Chewy!*

Help your overweight dog

Like humans, our pets gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn off. A few quick tips to help cut calories: use smaller but more frequent meals, pick up food bowls after 10-15 minutes, and choose foods that are higher in protein. You also can buy food formulated to help your pup lose weight. 

By knowing how much to feed overweight dogs, you will be able to adjust their meals to their needs. No two pets have the same nutritional needs, and it will take trial and error to ensure that your pet is on the right track.

Also, try increasing your pet’s daily exercise routine. If your furry friend is overweight, you will need to work slowly to increase his stamina. Start with one 20-minute brisk walk a day, then increase it to two, and so on. Purchasing new and exciting toys is another way to get your pet on their feet a little more throughout the day. Our pets need the motivation to be more active just like we do!

Fat dog breeds

Pug should have at least two 20-minute sessions of exercise per day. Moderate exercise is crucial to help maintain the Pug’s weight.” width=”300″ height=”200″/> A Pug should have at least two 20-minute sessions of exercise per day. Moderate exercise is crucial to help maintain the Pug’s weight.

Are some dogs destined to be overweight? While some dogs are couch potatoes, it’s essential to motivate a lazy dog to exercise.

That’s especially important for the breeds most likely to become fat dogs. Those breeds include golden and Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, and Bichons.

If you have a breed that’s prone to weight gain, be careful. Watch the amount you feed and your dog’s exercise levels. It’s easier to maintain a healthy weight than take off extra pounds later. 

Help your dog get healthy

By boosting exercise, limiting treats, and feeding your dog a healthy diet, you’ll be able to get your dog in the best shape of her life. Remember, it can take a few months to notice any significant changes. Don’t fret though, be patient and your dog will be ready to hit the dog park and pose for selfies in no time!

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym. 

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 
 
 
 

Related Posts

  • healthy dog weight
    Healthy dog weight: Boost exercise, limit treats

    In addition to regular vet visits, ensuring a healthy dog…

  • Dalmatian shows a trim waist. If you run your hands along your dog's sides and can't feel her ribs, it's time to put your overweight dog on a diet.
    Use the rib test to keep your dog at the right weight

    Rib test: Run your hands along your dog's sides. If…

  • Sleepy Yorkshire terrier snuggles into blanket. Motivate a lazy dog to exercise by considering your dog's personality, and most importantly, any health issues that may cause your dog to be lazy.
    7 ways to motivate a lazy dog

    Motivate a lazy dog to exercise by considering your dog's…

  • home alone couch potato dog
    Couch potato dogs for couch potato owners

    Make an honest assessment of your lifestyle to help you…

  • dog walking info
    7 tips to make the most of daily dog walks

    Try to take daily dog walks. Pick a place that's…

  • healthy dog weight
    Help your dog lose weight

    If your furry buddy has gotten a little heavy, there…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Healthy weight

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

  • Small brown and white dog wears a mask. Dogs and coronavirus: Canines unlikely to catch or transmit the virus to people or other animals, World Small Animal Veterinary Association says.

    Coronavirus and dogs: Can canines get COVID-19?

  • Dogs and other pets on a video conference call. Dog home alone again? If you're preparing to go back to work, get your dog ready. To prevent separation anxiety, use training, treats, and a safe space.

    Ready to go back to work? Prepare your dog to be home alone

Tags

Ear infection Dog sleep Sheltie Canine autism Dog business CBD-Marijuana-Hemp Border collie Flying Allergies Canine manners Puppy-proof Chihuahua Moving collie Dog clothes Dog grief Adopt a dog after a breakup Rottweiler Easter Dog names wolves Acupuncture Maltese New Year yoga Dog begging Two dogs Vacation dog care Small dogs Dog temperament

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • 17 tips to take a happy trekking adventure with your dog
    Trekking can be fun for you and your dog if you take the proper precautions. Make sure your dog is healthy and bring enough food and water. […]
  • 5 things to consider before getting your child a dog
    Before you get a child a dog, make sure you have the time, energy, and financial resources to care for a new family member. […]
  • Training tips: 7 habits your dog must learn early
    Follow these training tips to help your puppy establish good behavior traits. Set a schedule and stick to it. Focus on house training. […]
  • What’s your best financial solution to meet dog expenses?
    Before adopting or buying, consider dog expenses. Do your research on the breed. Health costs will likely be your biggest expense. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.