If you can't feel the ribs without pressing or if you feel a pocket of fat located at the base of the tail, your pet is overweight. We all know that obesity in dogs is unhealthy for the same reasons it's unhealthy for human beings. In addition, obesity in dogs can cause bone and joint problems, intensifying arthritic conditions and hip displasia, and becoming a big factor in knee surgeries. Obese pets can have high blood pressure and are at risk for heart disease. The membrane that divides the chest cavity into a left and right side is layered with fat in an obese pet, leaving less area for the lungs to expand.
Obesity also causes liver and kidney disease.
Obese pets are more likely to contract diabetes, more likely to have reproductive problems, stomach and intestinal problems, and heat stroke. First, limit table scraps or people food. Decrease the amount of food. Start by decreasing the daily ration by ten percent, and if your dog isn't losing weight after a month or two, decrease an additional ten percent. If you can't walk your dog, just playing fetch or climbing stairs is some exercise and every little bit will help.