Carrying extra weight isn’t just uncomfortable for your dog, it can be dangerous. Just like in humans, dog obesity can lead to a host of serious health issues that affect everything from energy levels to life expectancy. If you’re unsure whether your dog is at a healthy weight, here are three simple ways to check at home.
The Dangers of Dog Obesity
If your dog is overweight, it puts unnecessary stress on almost every system in their body. Some of the most common issues linked to excess weight in dogs include:
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Diabetes
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Joint damage and arthritis
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Heart disease and high blood pressure
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Breathing difficulties and heat intolerance
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Digestive problems and poor liver function
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Skin and coat issues
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Increased risk of cancer
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Reduced stamina and quality of life
The good news? Once you know your dog is overweight, there’s a lot you can do to help them get back to a healthy weight - starting with understanding their body condition.
1. The Waist Test
Stand above your dog and look down at their body shape. Feel along their abdomen toward their hips.
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A visible and defined waistline means your dog is likely a healthy weight.
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If the waistline is starting to disappear, they may be overweight.
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If you can’t feel or see a waist at all, your dog is likely obese.
2. The Rib Test
Lay your dog on their side and gently feel their chest.
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If you can feel but not see the ribs, your dog is likely at a healthy weight.
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If the ribs are hard to locate, they may be gaining too much weight.
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If you can’t feel the ribs at all, this is a strong sign your dog is overweight.
3. The Weight Test
You can weigh your dog at home using a simple method:
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Weigh yourself while holding your dog
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Weigh yourself alone
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Subtract your weight from the combined weight to get your dog’s weight
Then, check the ideal weight range for their breed using your breed club, vet, or a trusted source. For large dogs or those hard to lift, visit your local vet to use accurate scales.
Feeding Wolfworthy for Healthy Weight Loss
If your dog is overweight, we recommend feeding them based on their ideal weight rather than their current weight. This helps to gently reduce calorie intake without compromising on nutrients.
Here’s what we suggest:
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Start by feeding the recommended daily amount for your dog’s ideal weight
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Monitor their body condition and stool quality regularly
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If there’s no weight loss after a few weeks, reduce the amount by 10% and continue monitoring
This approach allows your dog to lose weight gradually and safely, without feeling hungry or losing energy.
For more tips on long-term weight management, check out our post on
3 Simple Changes That Can Stop Your Dog Being Obese.
📩 For tailored advice, feel free to contact us at support@wolfworthy.co.uk - we’re always happy to help!
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