Since you see your dog every day, you may not realize if they start to gain excess weight. Plus, dogs with thick fur may be hiding weight gain under their long coats. Here we have compiled some key signs around how to tell if your dog is overweight and what to do next if they are.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight
The best way to know if your dog is overweight is to stay up to date on their
routine wellness appointments. This can vary between annual or twice-yearly wellness exams depending on your pet’s case. Your veterinarian will measure your dog’s weight at each visit so they can monitor any changes in weight, compare it to your dog’s ideal weight range, and provide their professional diagnosis and recommendations.
Between routine wellness visits, there are some clear signs you can look for to get an idea of whether your dog is overweight:
Feel your dog’s ribs. If your dog is at a healthy weight, you should be able to feel the ribs and there should not be a thick layer of fat covering these bones.
Your dog’s chest should be wider than the abdomen, and you'll notice a significant tuck-up from chest to stomach.
Overweight dogs may also walk a bit slower than before, take more naps than usual, and pant on your daily walks.
Check out the diagram below for a quick reference guide for what to look out for when monitoring your dog’s weight:
I Think My Dog Is Overweight. What Should I Do?
If you suspect your dog is overweight, the first thing you'll need to do is
book an appointment with your local vet who will examine and weigh your pet. Your veterinarian can then let you know if your dog is overweight based on the standards for their breed, size, and age, and provide some recommendations on steps you can take to help your dog get back to a healthy weight.
How Can I Help My Dog Lose Weight?
If your vet finds that your dog is overweight, they will likely prescribe an exercise routine and personalized diet plan to help get your dog on track to a healthy weight. It’s important that you talk to your vet and follow their advice as every dog’s weight loss journey is unique. Below are some things you can do to help your dog maintain a healthy weight:
Regular Exercise & Play
Keep to a strict exercise schedule for your dog. The most common form of exercise for dogs includes twice daily walks and playtime outside, however there are countless other ways to help keep your pet active based on the time of year and your own lifestyle.
Find a full list of dog exercise ideas here > Diet & Feeding
If your dog is overweight, you can try to feed them at the same time every day to help regulate their metabolism. Also make sure that you are feeding your dog the correct type of diet and accurate quantity recommended for their breed, size, and age. If you ever have questions regarding your dog’s recommended food intake, please speak with your veterinarian.
Your vet may prescribe a low-calorie diet for your dog. There are many weight management food options for dogs, like
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight and
Prescription Diet Metabolic food. Consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet and ensure the transition of your dog’s food is done gradually to prevent causing stomach upsets.
Restrict Human Food Treats
Regular Check-Ins With Your Veterinarian
Bring your dog to your
local vet hospital for follow up appointments to be weighed. This will allow you to monitor their progress and will let your veterinary care team know if further dietary adjustments or testing are needed. If your dog is failing to lose weight despite following adjustments recommended by your vet, there could be a deeper health issue that needs to be investigated.
Our shared hope is to see your pet thrive through every stage of life, and we’re committed to being your trusted partner in making that hope a reality. Let’s work together to keep your beloved dog in tip-top shape so you can live a long, happy, and healthy life together.
Please Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding your pet. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.
