How do I know if my dog is overweight?

One of the immediate signs that your dog is overweight is the lack of waistline definition. You also can't easily feel their ribs when they are overweight. This is because excess fats in dogs are usually stored in their back or abdomen.

What causes obesity in dogs?

Poor diet and overfeeding

Of course, one of the most common reasons why your dog is obese is because of overfeeding.

As dog owners, it is always in our best interests to give our dogs the best foods they can eat.

However, it is also our responsibility to teach them self-control. 

And that includes their eating habits. 

Feeding them always with foods, such as these is a huge factor in their weight gain:

• Sweet treats.
• High-fat foods.
• High-carbohydrate foods.

When they take the excess from what their bodies need regularly, there is really a high possibility that your dog is going to be obese in the long run.

Lack of exercise

When your dog eats all the time and is not active in physical activities, then you might want to change that habit.

This is because a lack of physical activity and exercise can be the reason why they are gaining weight so much. 

Dogs with sedentary lifestyles have a higher chance of getting obese in the long run.

As dog owners, we must involve our dogs in physical activities and make them do regular exercise.

Breed disposition and genetics

Genetics can also be a huge factor in why your dog is gaining too much weight in a short time.

Dog breeds, such as Daschunds, Beagles, and Labrador Retrievers, tend to gain weight more and faster compared to other dogs.

This is because of their metabolism and appetite for eating.

However, even with genetics playing a role in a dog's obesity, there are still some ways that you can manage their weight.

5 Tips to keep your dog’s weight healthy

Balanced diet

As dog owners, it is our duty to give our pets the best foods possible, and that means feeding them with a balanced diet. 

Make sure that all the nutrients can satisfy what their age, size, and breed require for a healthy meal.

Always choose high-quality dog food and avoid treating them always with treats.

Regular exercise

Train your dog to be physically active.

Make them exercise regularly. 

This can be a huge help for them to maintain a healthy weight, especially if they typically eat larger portions of food compared to other dogs.

Dogs also need to be stimulated, and doing things such as walks or play sessions can provide that.

Portion control

When feeding your dogs, make sure you avoid overfeeding them, especially with sweet and fatty foods.

The best way to prevent them from gaining too much weight is to measure the portions that you are going to feed your dog. 

You can ask a veterinarian about the proper amount you are going to feed your dog.

This can also be dependent on your dog's weight, condition, and activity level.

Feed with health treats

If you want to give them treats, be sure that they are nutritious and have low calories.

You can also give them either vegetables or fruits.

Just remember to limit the frequency when you are giving them treats to avoid gaining weight faster.

Regular check-ups

You must bring them to a veterinarian regularly, so they can get checked.

They have a better idea of your dog's overall health, and that includes their weight.

They can guide you on how to maintain your dog's weight and address any possible concerns that you might have about your dog's diet.