Recent studies show that obesity in dogs has been on the rise in recent years, and the condition has the potential to cause a multitude of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of cancer development. Owners who are concerned that their dogs may be overweight should look for the following three signs and consult a professional to determine the best course of action for weight loss.
1. You can’t feel your dog’s ribs. Pets at a healthy weight typically have ribs that can be felt, but not seen.
2. Your pet's body does not taper at the waist. Overweight dogs often lack an observable waist, and may have a rounded or block-shaped body rather than being slim between the abdomen and hips.
3. Your dog is drained of energy quickly. If a dog is overweight, it may only be able to exercise for short periods of time, and may engage in excessive panting when faced with physical exertion.