dogweek.comCounting down
dogweek.comExtra weight is one of the most common — and most fixable — threats to a dog's health and happiness. Here is how to tell if your dog is at a healthy weight and what to do about it.
A few extra pounds may look harmless, even cuddly, but excess weight is one of the most serious and common health risks dogs face. It strains joints, stresses the heart, and can shorten a dog's life. The reassuring news is that weight is also one of the most manageable factors in your dog's health.
Think of it like a backpack you never take off. A little extra is uncomfortable; a lot becomes a daily burden that wears the body down. Lightening the load makes everything easier.
The scale matters less than the hands-on body condition score. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, see a visible waist from above, and notice a tuck in the belly from the side. If the ribs are hard to find and the waist has disappeared, your dog is likely carrying too much.
Your veterinarian can confirm your dog's body condition and set an ideal weight.
The bag's feeding guide is a starting point, not a prescription — many dogs need less. Measure meals with an actual measuring cup rather than eyeballing, which is the most common source of overfeeding.
Treats add up fast. Keep a treat budget of no more than about a tenth of daily calories, and reach for healthy options like small pieces of vegetables. Account for training treats too.
Regular activity burns calories and keeps muscles strong. Daily walks, play, and enrichment all help, scaled to your dog's age and health. Even modest increases in movement, paired with sensible portions, produce real results over time.
A dog's metabolism shifts with age, activity, and spaying or neutering. The amount that kept your dog trim as a young adult may be too much later on. Check in periodically and adjust, rather than feeding the same amount for life.
If your dog needs to slim down, aim for slow, steady loss under veterinary guidance rather than crash dieting. A gradual approach is healthier and far more sustainable.
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