You may notice that your new puppy has a pudgy belly, leading other puppy parents to affectionately call your dog “the big guy” or “roly poly.” While a little pudge on a puppy can be adorable, it’s important to address potential weight issues early on to prevent health problems like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or breathing difficulties later in life. Swifto has compiled some tips to help you determine if your puppy is overweight and how to manage their weight effectively.
Identifying an Overweight Puppy
To determine if your puppy is overweight, examine their body and give them a few pets:
Waistline: An overweight dog will have no visible waist when seen from above.
Ribs and Hips: You should be able to feel their rib and hip bones when petting them. If you can’t, your puppy may be overweight.
Bloated Stomach: If your puppy has a bloated stomach but visible rib and hip bones, they might have worms or a parasite and should see a veterinarian.
You can also weigh your puppy and compare their weight to the average weights for their breed:
Toy Dogs: 3 to 12 lbs.
Small Dogs: 12 to 30 lbs.
Medium Dogs: 30 to 55 lbs.
Large Dogs: 55 to 80 lbs.
Extra Large Dogs: 80 to 110 lbs.
Managing Your Puppy’s Weight
If your puppy is overweight, here are a few simple strategies to help them shed extra pounds:
1. Adjust Treats and Rewards
Switch to low-calorie treats or use fruits and vegetables as treats.
Reward your puppy with physical and verbal affection instead of food.
2. Modify Their Diet
Adjust the type or amount of food you’re feeding your puppy.
Ensure a balanced diet, as both high-protein and high-carb foods can cause weight gain.
Be cautious with weight management foods and do thorough research.
3. Increase Exercise
Add ten more minutes of walking each day or increase the pace of their walks.
Get creative with games and toys that engage your puppy and keep them active, even when you’re not around.
4. Regular Veterinary Checkups
Ensure your puppy doesn’t have underlying health issues like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism.
Consult your veterinarian for breed-specific advice on maintaining a healthy weight.
5. Establish Healthy Habits
Developing healthy eating and exercise habits early on will make it easier for your puppy to maintain a healthy weight as they grow.
How Swifto Can Help
At Swifto, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for your puppy. Our professional dog walkers are experienced in providing the right amount of exercise tailored to your dog’s needs. Whether it’s adding an extra walk to your puppy’s routine or ensuring they stay active with engaging activities, Swifto is here to help.
Our dog walkers can monitor your puppy’s progress and provide feedback on their exercise and behavior, ensuring they are on the right track to a healthy lifestyle. With our real-time tracking application, you can stay updated on your puppy’s walks and activities, giving you peace of mind.
For more tips on managing your puppy’s weight and to schedule a walk with one of our professional dog walkers, visit Swifto. Let us help you ensure your puppy grows up healthy, happy, and well-exercised.
