Maintaining the proper weight is very important for the overall health of your dog. Being overweight can cause excess stress on joints and the heart as well as predispose them to other diseases such as diabetes. A dog that is underweight can have underlying health concerns that need to be diagnosed.
When is a dog considered to be overweight?
You should be able to feel all of your dog’s ribs when you run your hands over them without feeling a thick layer of fat. Their chest should be wider than their abdomen and their waistline should look noticeably narrow. Most overweight dogs will have no waistline at all.
Are some breeds prone to obesity?
Yes. Labs, Pugs, Beagles, Chihuahua’s, and Dachshunds. Although these are the most common, any dog can become overweight with too many calories and not enough exercise.
