Is My Dog Overweight? How to Spot the Signs and Keep Them Healthy

Introduction

As pet parents, we love to spoil our dogs with affection, toys, and yes, often with food. But, one of the biggest health concerns for pets today, especially in Indian cities, is obesity. With increasingly indoor lifestyles, reduced activity, and lack of awareness around ideal nutrition, many dogs today are silently struggling with excess weight. But is there good news? Yes, with a little knowledge and consistency, you can go a long way in keeping your pet healthy and active for years to come.

Let us first understand why pet weight matters? A few extra kilos on your pet may not seem like a big deal, but it can seriously impact their health. Overweight dogs are more prone to various health issues like:

Joint and mobility issues
Heart & Liver conditions
Diabetes and reduced immunity

All this leads to a shorter life expectancy. Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about looks—it's about helping your dog live a longer, happier, more energetic life.

How to Know If Your Dog Is Overweight

While your vet is the best person to assess this, here are a few early signs you can watch for at home:

Can’t feel the ribs easily: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard.
Lack of a waistline: Seen from above, your dog should have a slight “hourglass” shape.
Tiring easily: If your dog seems sluggish or avoids physical activity they previously enjoyed, weight might be a factor.
Visible fat deposits around the neck or base of the tail.

If you’re unsure, consult your vet, they can help evaluate your pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS) and recommend steps to get them back on track.

Common Reasons Dogs Gain Weight

1. Overfeeding

This is by far the most common cause for weight gain in your pets. Not knowing how much to feed and what to feed generally leads to overfeeding. Also table feeding, free feeding(leaving the food out the whole day) contributes to this. Even a small extra portion daily adds up over time. Portion control and feeding discipline go a long way in keeping your pet healthy.

2. Lack of Exercise

With rapid urbanisation and increase in pets amongst the urban population has led to reduced physical activities. Especially with most of the population living in the apartments, there is no room for the physical activity your dog should be getting. A quick walk may not be enough for some breeds.

3. Wrong Diet

Again, not knowing what exactly to feed can be a reason. High-fat, low-fiber diets or human food can create imbalances. Some breeds are more prone to weight gain and require specialized diets.

4. Age or Medical Conditions

Older pets naturally slow down and may need lower-calorie food. Certain thyroid or hormonal conditions can also lead to weight gain.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Fit and Healthy

Here are simple, effective strategies for better weight management:

1. Stick to Portion Control

Follow recommended feeding guidelines based on breed, size, and activity level. Use measuring cups instead of estimating.

2. Switch to Healthier Food

Consider switching to a light, low-fat, or breed-specific formula, especially for neutered, senior, or less active dogs. Check-out our website for some obesity vet prescribed foods..

3. Daily Exercise is Non-Negotiable

Tailor your dog’s activity based on their breed and age. For some, a walk around the block is enough. Others may need agility games, fetch, or long runs. At Pet Warehouse you can buy all the toys you need to keep your dog on the move.