My Dog is a Chonky Boi! – A Guide to Managing Overweight Dogs

Is your dog looking less like a sleek, athletic pup and more like a loaf of bread with legs? Do strangers mistake your Labrador for a fluffy seal? Does your pup get tired just from thinking about a walk?

If so, you might have an overweight doggo on your hands. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you turn your chonky canine into a lean, healthy, tail-wagging machine.

 

How Did My Dog Get So… Round?

Dogs don’t wake up one day and decide to become couch potatoes. (Well, unless they’re Basset Hounds.) There are a few key reasons why your furry friend might be carrying some extra fluff:

Too Many Treats, Not Enough Tricks – If your pup gives you those big, sad eyes and you hand over a treat every time… well, congrats, you’ve been trained by your dog!

Exercise? Never Heard of It. – Some dogs LOVE running, while others think fetch is a watching sport. If they’re not moving enough, those extra calories stick around.

Free Buffet Lifestyle – If your dog’s food bowl is always full, they’re likely treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Dogs don’t count calories—they just eat until they can’t move.

Breed Matters – Some breeds, like Beagles, Corgis, and Bulldogs, are professional snack thieves and more prone to weight gain.

 

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG IS OVERWEIGHT

Here’s a quick doggy weight test to see if your pup needs to shed a few pounds:

  • Look from above: Your dog should have a waist—if they look like a sausage with legs, it’s time for a diet.
  • Feel their ribs: You should be able to feel ribs under a thin layer of fat. If they feel like a plush pillow, we have a problem.
  • Watch them move: If your pup gets tired faster than you do on leg day, or if they struggle to jump, it’s time for a fitness plan.

 

GETTING YOUR DOG BACK IN SHAPE

Time to say goodbye to the chonk life and hello to healthy habits! Here’s how:

1. Cut Back on Treats (Sorry, Buddy!)

We know—denying your doggo a snack feels like betrayal. But too many treats add up quickly! Try switching to low-calorie options like baby carrots, cucumbers, or even plain popcorn (no butter or salt).

Pro Tip: Use praise and belly rubs instead of food rewards! Your pup wants love just as much as snacks.

 

2. Portion Control is Key

Free-feeding = doggy disaster. Instead, follow portion guidelines based on your dog’s ideal weight, not their current weight. If you’re unsure, ask your vet for advice.

 

3. More Walks, More Wags!

Walking is the easiest way to burn calories for both you and your dog. Start with short, frequent walks and gradually increase the distance.

Bonus Fun Ideas:

  • Play tug-of-war (great for muscle building!)
  • Try agility training (even small jumps count!)
  • Make fetch actually happen!

 

4. Make Mealtime an Activity

Instead of letting your pup gulp their food in seconds, try using:

Puzzle feeders (makes them work for it!)

Slow-feed bowls (prevents scarfing)

Scavenger hunts (hide kibble around the house!)

 

5. Check with Your Vet

Before making big changes, talk to your vet. Some dogs gain weight due to medical issues like hypothyroidism, so it’s good to rule that out.

 

Final Woofs

Managing your dog’s weight isn’t about body-shaming your chubby pup—it’s about keeping them happy, healthy, and zoomie-ready! With a little patience (and fewer snacks), your floor will be fit, fabulous, and full of life.

Now, grab that leash and start moving!

Got a funny weight-loss story about your dog? Share it in the comments!