How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Unfortunately we owners can never tell if our dogs are overweight or fat - they are perfect in our eyes and we can't resist feeding them titbits! But an overweight dog is an unhealthy dog and will suffer from conditions such as heart disease if left unchecked. Overweight dogs will have a reduced life span due to these health problems. An overweight dog may also suffer from joint pains and a susceptibility to arthritis due to the added pressure on the joints. Other diseases and illnesses that an overweight dog can suffer from include breathing problems, non-allergenic skin problems, fatty liver disease, diabetes,thyroid problems, osteoarthritis and a greater prevalence to hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. It will also suffer general discomfort, eg on a sunny day an overweight dog will pant more and not tolerate the heat. Follow the following how to tell if your dog is overweight advice to prevent weight gain and start a program of dog weight loss.


Follow the dog food manufacturers recommended guidelines when feeding your overweight dog - these have been scientifically calculated and researched for dog weight loss.



No matter how appealing your overweight dog looks to you - resist giving him or her titbits from your plate. This is the biggest tip on how to tell if your dog is overweight we can give you and the simplest dog weight loss advice.


One way at home you can easily how to tell if your dog is overweight is to feel your dog's body - you should be able to comfortably feel its ribs. If you cannot it is considered overweight and you need to start a dog weight loss program.


Get your overweight dog to stand and look at it from above. Ideally you should see a definite waist shape and there should be no tummy sag.









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Take photographs at regular dates and compare the shape of your overweight dog to spot weight gain and easily see how to tell if your dog is overweight and needs a dog weight loss diet.


At each visit to the Vet, such as when getting your dog vaccinated, or collecting worming tablets, use the special dog scales and ask the Vet or the Veterinary Nurse to record this in the dog's notes and evaluate any dog weight loss or gain.


Go for a daily walk - it is good for the overweight dog and for you!


Monitor the notch on the dog's collar is a simple way to how to tell if your dog is overweight - if you need to tighten or loosen the collar it is a sign of dog weight loss or gain.



In 2011 the PDSA published their Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report in which they warned of the rise of overweight dogs in the UK and if the trend continues how 50% of dogs will be overweight by the year 2013. The PAW report questioned over 11,000 pet owners. They recommended dog weight loss by cutting out feeding dogs human junk food titbits like cakes, biscuits, crisps and left overs. This PDSA report found that a third of dogs in the United Kingdom are already obese and are now giving owners advice on how to tell if your dog is overweight.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals is helping owners with dog weight loss with their Pet Fit Club programme which includes exercise, cutting out titbits, weight loss food and advise on how to tell if your dog is overweight. Their education programme gives owners the incentive of dog weight loss by informing owners of the benefits of a slimmer dog such as less pressure on the heart and lungs and the average increase of two years life compared to an overweight dog.


Read more dietary advice or read the water guide.







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