Is My Poodle Overweight? How to know and fix it

Is My Poodle Overweight? How can I know that

If your poodle is obese/overweight, you must make the necessary measures to ensure their health is restored. It’s possible that your poodle is one of the many obese canines out there.

What’s the weight of your poodle right now? How can you figure out that your poodle is overweight?

• Ascertain whether your ribs are touching theirs. If this isn’t the case, your poodle could be obese.
• You should be able to feel the ribs with some fat covering them when you carefully palpate along their rib area (but without excess fat covering). The abdomen should be tucked in as seen from the side.
• Look for fat rings at the base of their tail that obscures your view of the bone.
• While observing your dog from a distance, keep an eye out for any irregularities in their body outline.
• Check on whether or not your poodle has a hard time breathing while walking.
• If you think your poodle is overweight, Check if their belly button is smaller than its rib cage.
• Osteoarthritis, for example, might be made worse by obesity. See your veterinarian so they may weigh your pet and calculate the Body Condition Score (BCS) for them.

There are numerous things that can have an impact on your pet’s weight. If your pet is unwell, you should think about the possibility of their death. When making the changes your pet requires, keep in mind the dangers listed below.

Changing your pet’s food and exercise routine to get him back into a healthy weight range and a healthy Body Condition Score can be discussed with your veterinarian if your pet is overweight.

The Body Condition Score(BCS) is a measure of how well your Pet’s body is doing.

An examination of your dog’s physical condition is performed throughout this procedure. 

When viewing your dog from the side, it takes into account how easily you can feel his ribs and shoulder bones, whether you can feel his spine and hip bones but cannot see them, whether you can see your dog’s last rib, whether your dog has an hourglass figure, and whether your dog has a defined waist when you view them from the front. 

You can then assign your dog a score between 1 and 9 based on the information you’ve gathered:

1 – 3: Underweight Ribs, spine, and hip bones are clearly apparent, and there is little fat around the waist.

4 – 5: Optimal Weight Ribs, spine, and hip bones are not visible but can be felt easily, body is properly proportioned, and a waist line can be discerned.

6 – 9: Overweight to Obese Ribs, spine, and hip bones are not easily visible or felt, waist is shrunk or cannot be seen at all, and there is an excess of fat deposits on the waist, face, and limbs. 6 – 9: Overweight to Obese.(Source)

There are several other methods of determining your dog’s weight.

In addition to BCS, evaluating your dog’s daily activities can assist you in determining whether or not your dog is overweight and whether or not it is appropriate to consult with your veterinarian.

Some of the following signs and symptoms could suggest a weight problem:

• Your Pooch is Panting on a regular basis
• Your Pooch is Having trouble getting out of a seated or lying down posture
• Your pooch is Wheezing when taking a breath
• Your dog Avoids play or playing less than they used to require assistance getting in and out of the car, onto sofas or beds, climbing stairs, and so on
• Even the modest movement, such as meeting you when you get at your destination, your pet may appear exhausted.

What Causes a Poodle’s Weight to Go Up or Down Too Much?

Overfeeding or underfeeding your pet is the most common cause of their unhealthy weight. When pet parents leave large bowls of food out for their pets to eat out of boredom, they may not realise the harm they are doing. 

However, a pet’s unhealthy weight can be caused by factors other than their diet.

• Depending on the breed, some dogs are naturally smaller or larger than the average. As a result, you’ll have to start preparing for it right away, whether it’s with food, exercise, or anything else your veterinarian suggests.
• A slower metabolism is common as people get older. As a result, as your dog ages, it may put on weight. Several pet food manufacturers make specialised foods for elderly animals that require special nutrition.
• Weight gain is a result of inactivity. It’s just as critical for your pet as it is for you to maintain a regular daily routine. To maintain good health, it’s critical to stay active.
• When a dog gets older, he or she loses interest in playing and eating. As a result, they have a higher chance of being underweight. Most of the time, however, the amount of weight loss isn’t significant and doesn’t pose a significant risk. 
• Depending on how old your pet is, they may be preparing for the end of their days.
• Weight gain is a possibility when certain hormones are present. A thyroid or Cushing’s disease is therefore possible. This is yet another reason why consulting with a veterinarian can be extremely beneficial for your pet. It’s possible that owners who aren’t properly trained will overlook a more serious problem.
• Spayed or neutered animals may gain or lose weight depending on their current health. Although your pet is more likely to gain weight as a result of the change, it may actually lose weight in response to it. It primarily has the potential to lower the metabolism of your pet.

Your Poodle’s weight gain may be due to a variety of factors, some of which are listed above. Do your best to keep an eye on them and make the best, healthiest decisions for them.

How to Assist Your Poodle in Maintaining a Healthy Weight

The remedies to your animal’s obesity problems are rather straightforward. In the case of serious issues, the obvious first step is to seek assistance from a veterinarian. 

Some animals are underweight as a result of the settings they were in before they were adopted, so bear this in mind when adopting a pet and caring for them after you have brought them home. In addition to seeking the assistance of a veterinarian, there are additional options.

Assist them in losing weight

Exercise on a regular and vigorous basis. Do as much as your pet is capable of, and do it frequently. Don’t push them any further than they are capable of going, and allow them to raise their activity level when their mobility returns. 

Allowing your dog to play with toys can also encourage him or her to be more active.

Portion control is also an important consideration. Make certain that they consume an adequate amount of food throughout the day. One method of accomplishing this is by the use of a timed portion feeder or other customised feeders.

Weight-loss foods that are specifically designed for this purpose will also be beneficial. Make certain that your pet is eating high-quality food, as lower-quality foods will have a high amount of fillers, which are not only unhealthy but can also lead to unwanted weight gain.

Assist them in gaining weight

High-protein diets are beneficial for animals that need to gain weight to maintain a healthy weight. Making certain that your pet consumes high-quality food made from the highest-quality ingredients will also help your pet feel properly taken care of.

When an animal is underweight, it can be beneficial to feed it on a schedule. Animals sometimes require a routine to follow, or they may not eat enough throughout the day, especially rescue dogs that may not feel safe eating at all times due to their circumstances.

Make your animal’s environment as safe as possible. If they are underweight for emotional reasons rather than physical reasons, the environment in which they must eat should be tailored to their requirements.

How to tell if your Poodle Doesn’t Have a Healthy Body Weight

To begin, if you have any worries about your pet, consult with your veterinarian. 

Their knowledge and experience will enable them to tell you what needs to be changed and how. 

If you have a specific pet, the vet will be able to offer advice tailored to its needs. 

When it’s impossible to get to the vet right away, there are ways to tell if your pet is overweight if you can’t.

See if you can feel anything in their ribs. If you can’t feel your dog’s hips, ribs, or other prominent bones, he or she is probably obese. 

Your pet may be underweight if you can feel or see the bones clearly from a distance or if they are abnormally well-defined.

Look for a fat ring around their tail’s base to prevent you from feeling the bone. 

Overweight dogs have trouble feeling their bones if you can’t. Dogs who complain about their tail or other bones may be underweight and experience pain or discomfort as a result.

While you’re standing near your dog, take note of its shape by looking at it. 

You can see if your pet has a waist from this vantage point. If the ribs and hips can be distinguished, then the person is not obese. If you’re unable to do so, they may very well be. 

An underweight person will have a jagged body and show their bones clearly.

Make sure they’re not having any problems breathing. If they’re exhausted and wheezing when they move around, that’s a red flag. If they have problems with running or stair climbing, they should be examined by a doctor.

Make sure their tummy tuck is smaller than their chest to see if they are not Obese. 

Healthy animals have areas behind the ribs that are proportionately smaller than their chest.

If your pet is overweight, you’ll most likely notice. Keep an ear out for what your animals are trying to tell you by their actions.

Caution

Your pets may be overweight for a variety of reasons, but it is your responsibility as their pet parent to assist them. Keep an eye on their bodies—their shape, the way they move, how difficult activity is for them if they can breathe well—and seek veterinary assistance if your pet’s health is jeopardised.

What are the risks associated with your poodle being overweight or underweight?

The risks associated with your canine friend being overweight or underweight are similar to the risks associated with being overweight or underweight in humans.

A poodle’s being overweight or underweight might result in the following problems: 

Heart Diseases are a serious problem with Obese Poodles. Their hearts will be put under additional strain as a result of the additional weight. 

This can result in muscle injury and weakening, which can eventually lead to congestive heart failure if not addressed. 

In addition, having an underweight dog can place a burden on the heart, as their body attempts to counteract the symptoms of being underweight.

Immune function compromised. When your dog’s body isn’t in good shape, he or she will be unable to keep you and your family healthy. Their immune systems require every advantage they can get in order to function at their peak performance. 

Animals that are underweight are also more likely to suffer from immunological deficiencies as a result of a lack of nutrients. When it comes to fighting off illness, their bodies require specific nutrients, just like ours.

Breathing becomes difficult. Extra fat in the chest of your animal can make it harder for him or her to breathe. It reduces the amount of space available for the lungs to expand, making it difficult for your pet to take full breath. 

Lack of oxygen can also cause more damage to your pet’s lungs, as well as serious health problems throughout the rest of his or her body.

Damage to the bones, joints and ligaments Animals who are overweight are more prone than not to experience joint pain and perhaps develop arthritis. 

Overweight animals are also more prone to ligament tears, which are particularly prevalent in the knees. 

The damage done to the bones as a result of bearing extra weight can be life-threatening if the bones shatter or if they cause a significant loss of movement.

 Additionally, due to a lack of nutrients and strength, underweight animals may be more susceptible to harm in these regions.

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels. This condition is frequently referred to as “sugar diabetes.” It arises as a result of your body producing more insulin in reaction to the presence of excess fat. 

This can result in your pet becoming dependent on medication.

Hypertension (high blood pressure). This is also referred to as “hypertension,” and it arises as a result of the additional strain placed on your body’s ability to function properly.

Reduced liver function is a problem with Obese Poodles:. Because the liver is a fat storage organ, the greater the amount of fat present, the greater the amount of fat present in the liver. 

This might result in major consequences, and in severe cases, the liver may fail completely.

Surgical risk has increased due to their Overweight. This implies that if your dog has surgery, the fact that he or she is overweight may put them at risk of complications. Circulation is critical, especially during surgical procedures. 

A damaged heart is unable to efficiently maintain proper circulation. Anaesthetic can also be dangerous since it requires the patient to burn more fat in order to wake up from it, and if the patient has a fatty liver, the liver will not be able to digest the anaesthesia properly. Animals who are underweight may require less anaesthetic.

Stamina is reduced due to their overweight The effort required to lug around those extra pounds is considerable. 

You will most likely notice that an overweight dog is less active, does not like to go on particularly long walks, and does not want to climb stairs. 

If your animal is experiencing joint pain as a result of the weight, this will also result in decreased activity.

Problems with the skin and fur. Animals who are overweight have a tendency to create more oil on their skin. Infections in the rolled skin, as well as hair loss, are possible consequences. 

Animals who are underweight are more likely to have dryer skin and may also experience hair loss as a result of a lack of nutrition and oils.

Increase in Digestive problems. Unhealthy weight gain makes a dog more susceptible to gas and digestive issues. Aside from being overweight, dogs who are underweight are more likely to experience digestive system problems.

An increased risk of developing cancer. Animals who are overweight or obese are much more prone to get bladder cancer than healthy-weight animals.

The reduced overall quality of life. If your dog is in poor health, it is likely that they are unhappy. The tension placed on your dog will result in generalised stress and sickness. 

If your dog is unable to fully enjoy life, the quality of that life has already deteriorated.

Specialty Feeders Can Assist You in Losing Weight for Your Poodle.

List of the best and trusted Special Feeders that can be purchased from Amazon. I used most of these products for my Pooch when we felt they were gaining weight.

Automatic Fun Feeder  You can find it in Amazon by clicking here.

Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Double Food&Water Bowls 

 

PAWISE Automatic Pet Feeder. 

LE TAUCI Ceramic dog Slow Feeder 

Some dogs require assistance in their efforts to lose or acquire weight. Many automatic or customised feeders can also be beneficial to people in the sense that many will feed your pets without you having to be present to supervise them. 

Others necessitate your pet’s participation in order to have access to their food. There are poodles for sale on Amazon that are ideal for various budgets and poodle types, as well as solutions for households with many pets.

The Automatic Fun Feeder requires your dog to limit his intake in day. This Operates with wifi and you can control how much your pooch eats. Your dog will be forced to eat just few Treats per day which will help your dog to feel full before overindulging themselves. You can find it in Amazon by clicking here.

Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Double Food&Water Bowls Benefits from slow feeder bowl

• You can Prevent over the degree of obesity.
• It Promotes fun and healthy eating.
• They are very Easy to use and clean.
• They are Made with high-quality, food-safe PVC.

The data proves that eating too fast can easily cause dogs to choke on their meals, have difficulty for digesting food, and may eventually increase the risk of obesity. Slow eating dog bowls can effectively prolong the dog’s meal time, so that dogs develop good eating habits, and form a good body. You can purchase this here on Amazon.

It is possible to programme up to five portioned meals per day to be provided to your pet with the PAWISE Automatic Pet Feeder. This feeder, which can be seen here, is intended for folks who are unable to manually feed their animals on a daily basis many times.

This automatic pet feeder is designed to drop up to 6 servings of food into its bowl throughout the day. It is available in two sizes: small and large. This is great for pets and their owners who want meals at various times throughout the day. It is totally programmable and can be found in Amazon Click here.

LE TAUCI Ceramic dog Slow Feeder makes mealtime more enjoyable and active for your dog. As your pet chews on this fillable toy, which you can get here, they will need to be active in order to keep it filled. This also allows your pet to take its time with each meal, allowing them to avoid overindulging itself.

Remember to take into consideration the type of feeding assistance your pet or you may require while selecting the appropriate feeder for them. If your pet is underweight, you should avoid using a feeder since it may make it less likely that your pet will obtain enough food

Consider your alternatives if your pet’s weight is off or on the healthy range. Also, think about what led to this happening in the first instance.

Find out what works best for your pet’s individual needs by doing some research before making any changes to their diet or feeding routine.

Always check with your veterinarian first, since they are the ones best equipped to ensure the health of your animal companions.

Also, bear in mind where your pet has been.

Be sure to ask the person from whom you are adopting a pet about everything that could have an impact on your pet’s life. In many cases, abuse and neglect result in a pet who has tougher difficulty learning new behaviours, such as a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

If your pet was found as a stray, expect them to need more time to acclimatise.

Regular and adequate exercise will keep your pet fit and healthy. Doing things such as not letting your dog play or run about will hinder their growth.

Consult your veterinarian if you notice your dog is losing interest or stamina, and then make any necessary adjustments and treatments.

Keeping your dog healthy can often be as simple as keeping it out of harm’s way, but there are occasions when the answer is more complicated.

References

• AVMA– Vet 
• The Everything Poodle Book (2004) by J.Adams
• Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference (2001) by S. Kalstone

For more about Poodles see our other articles below