14 Subtle Signs Your Dog Might Be Overweight

Светлана Бердник/Pixabay

We all love spoiling our pets, but sometimes, those yummy treats can add up. While a chubby pooch might be cute, extra weight can lead to complex health problems. Here are 14 sneaky signs your dog might be packing on the pounds!

Difficulty Feeling the Ribs

GeorgeTan#4/Openverse

When you run your hands along your dog’s sides, you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard. Your dog may carry extra weight if you can’t feel the ribs or need to apply pressure. It is challenging for overweight dogs to feel their ribs because of the excess fat that gets in the way.

Reduced Energy Levels

kayvee.inc/Openverse

Pay attention to changes in your dog’s playfulness and activity. If you notice that all your dog wants to do is lay around, it may be due to obesity. Overweight dogs often exhibit decreased energy levels because carrying all that fat can be exhausting.

Panting More Than Usual

Zen Chung/Pexels

Typically, obese dogs often struggle to breathe normally, especially when they are walking. They tend to walk slowly to catch their breath and pant faster than usual.

Difficulty Climbing Stairs

Victoria Stilwell/Facebook

Struggling with stairs is a red flag. If your dog hesitates or struggles to climb stairs, its weight might be the issue. Those extra pounds can put undue stress on joints and muscles, and dogs would take naps instead of actively moving around.

Noticeable Fat Pads

Zniper/Openverse

Look closely at your dog’s body, especially around the neck, top of their hips, and tail base. Noticeable fat pads in these areas can indicate that your dog is overweight.

Reluctance to Exercise

Zniper/Openverse

Is your dog showing a lack of interest in activities they used to love? If your once playful dog lacks the stamina to fetch a ball or go for a walk like it would normally do, obesity could be to blame. Overweight dogs often avoid physical activities because it’s harder for them to move comfortably.

Trouble Getting Up

Julia Volk/Pexels

It becomes difficult for dogs to rise from a resting position, especially if they are older and overweight. This extra weight can translate into joint pain, which can often make your dog inactive and unhealthy.

Shortness of Breath

Zen Chung/Pexels

Shortness of breath during daily activities is a concerning sign. Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing during walks and playtime. Heavy breathing might signal that your dog’s weight is affecting its respiratory system, and it might be time for a vet visit

Visible Waist Disappearance

andreboeni/Openverse

A healthy dog typically has a visible waistline when viewed from above. When looking at your dog from the side, look for an oval-shaped waist that is slightly elevated instead of just hanging down. A significant change in shape indicates that the dog is carrying excess fat.

They Are Not Trailing You All the Time.

Samson Katt/Pexels

Your dog used to follow you everywhere in the home, but these days, he just prefers to sit in a spot. Alternatively, if it takes three tries to get on the couch, your dog’s weight needs to be addressed. If your dog doesn’t follow you, his weight may be an issue.

Bigger, Rounder Face

Aleks Michajlowicz/Pexels

A bigger, rounder face is a noticeable sign that your dog might be overweight. If your dog’s face appears fuller or more rounded than usual— it can signal underlying health issues related to weight gain.

Joint Pain and Stiffness

Felipe Jiménez/Pexels

Is your dog limping or showing discomfort after physical activity? Extra weight can stress their joints, leading to pain and stiffness, especially for older or arthritis-prone breeds.

Increased Appetite

Zen Chung/Pexels

An increase in appetite can sometimes be a sign of weight gain. Overweight dogs might seem constantly hungry or beg for food more frequently. However, this increased appetite can lead to a cycle of overeating and growing chunky.

Skin Issues

Martin_Heigan/Openverse

Extra weight can cause folds in your dog’s skin, leading to moisture buildup and potential skin problems like rashes or infections. Check for unusual skin conditions, especially in areas with prominent skin folds.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply