Are you one of the millions of Americans who feeds your dog table scraps? After all, who can resist that adorable begging face while you’re eating bacon? If you do, then you need to know about this alarming trend.
Over half of all pet dogs are now considered overweight or obese. That’s not a statistic you want your doggo to be a part of. So, you’re likely wondering — is my dog overweight?
Read on to learn three signs that might mean your pet needs to go on a diet.
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Your Dog’s Figure Isn’t Flattering
Does your pet’s figure differ from the ideal image of your dog’s breed? If so, then that might be cause for concern. If you suspect your doggo might be overweight, then start by analyzing his/her figure first.
When you look down at your dog, what do you notice? Does your pet seem oval-shaped or round while they’re sitting? If so, then they’re likely overweight. Your pet should have a defining and clear waist followed by a straight build down their sides.
Next, take a good peek at how your pet looks from the side. Any sagging or swinging in the tummy area is a definite sign your doggo needs to lose weight.
At an ideal weight, your pet’s waist shouldn’t be lower than the chest area. The abdomen should appear tucked up compared to the chest.
Finally, look around your dog’s hips and legs. Do you notice any pockets of excess fat?
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You Can’t Feel Your Pup’s Rib Cage
Another way to tell if your pup is overweight is to feel around the rib cage area. Be gentle but also push down on the area.
You should be able to feel a thin fatty area that’s covering your dog’s ribs. You should also be able to feel the rib cage.
Are you not feeling any defined ribs? If so, then there’s too much fatty tissue on your dog.
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Your Dog Has Other Health Issues
Has your pet gotten diagnosed with a significant health issue? Watch out for the following conditions:
- Joint problems
- Difficulty breathing
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
If your pet has these issues, then there’s a good chance that obesity played a role.
Your dog’s behavior might start to change, too. They may tire out quickly or not want to exercise.
If you’re concerned, then reach out to your veterinarian. Get your pup started on a dog diet. You can still give your pet healthy human food, too. Check out these dog food recipes with chicken for more details.
Is My Dog Overweight?
Are you still asking yourself — is my dog overweight? If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, then your answer is likely yes.
Don’t panic! Like us, our dogs can get back into shape with a little hard work and effort. Get your doggo started on a healthy diet, and start prioritizing more exercise time with him or her. Your fur baby will thank you!
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