🐾 How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight (Vet-Approved Signs) 🐶
Just like people, dogs can gain extra weight that affects their overall health and happiness. Recognizing when your dog is overweight can help you prevent health problems such as joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. Let’s look at the clear, vet-approved signs to know if your pup is carrying a few extra pounds—and what you can do about it.
🐕 1. Check Their Ribs
Run your hands along your dog’s sides. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard. If you can’t feel them at all, your dog may be overweight.
🐶 2. Look at Their Waist
When viewed from above, dogs should have a visible waist behind their ribs. If your pup’s body looks rounded with no curve, that’s a common sign of extra weight.
🦴 3. Observe Their Energy Levels
Overweight dogs often have lower stamina, get tired quickly during play, or prefer lying down over moving around.
🐾 4. Check for Difficulty Moving
Climbing stairs, jumping, or even walking may seem harder for dogs carrying excess weight.
🩺 5. Visit the Vet
A vet can determine your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) and confirm if your pup is overweight, underweight, or at a healthy weight.
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🐾 FAQ
Run your hands along your dog’s ribs — you should feel them easily without pressing too hard. If you can’t, or if there’s no visible waistline, your dog may be overweight.
Extra weight can lead to joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and even shorten your dog’s lifespan.
Feed portion-controlled meals, reduce high-calorie treats, and add daily walks or play sessions. Always check with your vet before making big changes.
Weigh your dog once a month and keep track in your Pawfect Little Life Pet Journal to notice progress early.
If your dog tires easily, struggles to jump, or has visible fat pads around the belly or neck — it’s time for a vet visit.
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