How to Tell If Your Pup Is Obese And What Can You Do If They Are?

The obesity epidemic isn’t just a problem for humans! We’re already aware of the causes and health risks of obesity in pups.

(Check out our article on that if you haven’t already!) So how can you tell if your pup is obese, and what can you do if they are? Thanks to thick fur coats and natural builds, it can be difficult to tell if your fur ball could stand to lose a few pounds or not. You’ll have to use both your sense of sight and touch to properly gauge if your pup is in the overweight range or not.

To do this, observe your pup from above, then from his side. There should be a visible waistline after his ribs – if there isn’t, and your fur ball resembles a rectangle, then some weight needs to go! You can also use your hands to feel your fur ball’s ribs. If you can’t seem to feel them, then he’s overweight!

Now, let’s say that you’ve determined that your pup is carrying extra weight. What next? How do you help him lose weight? It’s easy to think “diet and exercise”, but those elements need to be properly carried out to work, and it’s often easier said than done!

Make sure you limit treats! Don’t give him snacks between meal times and avoid food directly before bed. If you must give him treats, then try for something healthy, like steamed green beans or cooked pumpkin cut into small pieces. Try replacing treat rewards with affection – massages, play time, or lots of pets and fur brushes can be great trade-ins. And make sure that your family is aware of these new rules so that they’re on board and don’t sneak him treats!

When it comes to feeding your fur ball, bear in mind that the feeding guide on the pack of pup chow isn’t law. Adjust his serving sizes based on the weight he gains and loses. If your pup needs to lose a lot of weight, then opt for prescription diet food. The Hills R/D and Metabolic brands carry great renditions of these, and they will provide your pup with sufficient nutrients while reducing his calorie intake.

Did you find these tips helpful? Please give them a like and share them with other Mommies and Daddies so that they, too, can ensure the health of their baby pups.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay