Is My Corgi Overweight Or Obese?

We all love to spoil our Corgis, and that usually includes feeding treats. Unfortunately, our kindness can be detrimental to their health if we are giving our Corgis more calories than they can burn off. Whether you have a Pembroke or a Cardigan, your Corgi needs to stay trim to be healthy. In addition, weight gain can be a sign of health issues, so if you notice yours is getting pudgy, a vet visit is a wise idea. Since it’s hard to tell under all that fluff, a good place to notice body condition is during bath time or grooming. The following are three signs your Corgi is overweight.

How Much Should Corgi Weigh?

23lb to 28lbs

#1 – No Definition

Although every breed of dog has a different body shape, they should all have some definition. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi should have a prominent breastbone, a deep rib cage, and a tucked up loin with a well-defined waist. Pembroke Welsh Corgis also have a deep rib cage, but will have a less defined waist and only a slight tuck at the loin. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a great, easy to follow guide for checking this.

#2 – Unable To Reach That Itch

Okay- so their body shape can sometimes cause problems in this area, but in general your Corgi should be able to groom herself. If she can’t scratch her ear because she can’t bend enough to get that leg up there, she is probably carrying a few too many pounds.

#3 – Easily Overexerted

Do you walk a few steps and your Corgi is already panting and wanting to stop? Barring hot weather, this is a sign that he is out of shape and probably overweight. It’s time to talk to the vet about a diet and exercise regimen that will slowly get him back on track. Be careful about pushing your Corgi to exercise more than their body can handle – that can cause problems too – so work with your vet.

Believe it or not, corgis really love to eat. And most corgis will simply eat themselves to death if left alone with plenty of food. When they are clamoring for more food, it can be difficult to resist those beseeching eyes. However, if you cave in, you will be doing your corgi’s health a great disservice.

It’s a common misperception in the corgi world that a corgi should have a rotund, plump appearance. However, because people are so accustomed to seeing enormous, overweight corgis, most people are unaware of the actual healthy weight limits for these adorable pups. Find the answers to all of your questions about obesity and corgi’s to make better decisions for your family pooch.

Frequently Ask Questions:

Are Corgis Prone To Obesity?

All corgis, regardless of age, are prone to obesity, and if you do not do anything to prevent this from happening, several issues may arise. Corgis are notorious for having enormous appetites and overeating. Therefore, to guarantee that our dogs live long, happy, and healthy lives, it is our duty as pet owners to keep track of their daily calorie intake, exercise routine, and body condition score.

How Do I Know If My Corgi Is Too Fat?

Unhealthy weight is a problem that affects corgis of all ages frequently. Unfortunately, because they have a luxurious lifestyle, many corgis are overweight. Table crumbs, oversized portions, and an overabundance of sweets are all examples of what leads to a plump pup. Therefore, it’s wise not to just rely on the scales to determine whether your Corgi is overweight.

Another accurate technique to determine your Corgi’s current condition is to observe how he feels and looks. Ideally, when you run your hand along his side or, at the very least, when little pressure is applied, you should be able to feel his ribs. Also, if their stomach droops toward the ground, your pooch has an unacceptable pouch.

How Can I Help My Overweight Corgi?

First things first, it’s best to screen out underlying health issues with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or routine exercise. Although food and exercise will be the primary factors in most cases of weight gain, underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism and diabetes should still be cleared out before moving on.

Next, it’s time to make sure you are feeding your pet properly. The serving sizes on the bag of food are not mere suggestions but healthy amounts for dogs of each size. Additionally, be wary of foods high in carbs or sweets. You may need to change your dog’s kibble to a grain-free option because carbohydrates are known to cause uncontrollable weight gain.

How Much Do Corgis Usually Weigh?

The weight of a corgi depends on the breed of corgi. Pembroke corgis should weigh between 24 and 30 pounds depending on their genetic makeup, height, and gender. Cardigan corgis can weigh a little more than their counterparts, with a healthy weight of between 24 and 38 pounds.

How Many Years Do Corgis Live?

Corgis can live for 12 to 15 years on average. The typical lifespan of purebred dogs is eleven years; hence the Corgi lifespan is extremely longer. The fact that smaller dog breeds live longer than larger ones is another factor at play. Additionally, it has been observed that female Corgis typically live one or two years longer than males.

How Much Should A Corgi Eat A Day?

It’s far simpler to feed an adult Corgi than a puppy. Puppies need to be fed in a coordinated manner throughout the day at various times. Alternatively, feeding an adult Corgi is easier. An adult Corgi only needs 1 1/2 to 2 cups of food daily, spread out over two meals. Your dog may require additional food in some situations, such as pregnancy or if they are more active.

How Do I Get My Corgi To Lose Weight?

Before changing your Corgis’ food or exercise program, visit your vet to check for any health conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Next, check your dog’s portion sizes and keep to a max of two cups per day, including treats. One of the most common pet owner mistakes is switching kibble brands but feeding the same amount. Despite being identical, kibble calories vary substantially per cup.

A portion of kibble with 780 calories is a decent starting point. And dog treats, please.

Next, dog snacks with different components and calorie counts are available. Unfortunately, dog treats usually have too many calories. Your Corgi loves eating your table scraps, but it’s bad for her health. Human food, specially prepared from a box or can, is filled with preservatives, salts, and other chemicals that neither dogs nor humans can digest well.

While higher-quality kibbles cost more, it’s often filled with more protein and fat than with cheap filler carbohydrates. Before domestication, dogs did not eat carbohydrates, and their systems are still not made to digest carbs like humans.

Increasing your corgi’s activity level will also help him lose weight. Weight gain or decrease depends on calorie intake minus expenditure. If he burns more calories than he consumes, he will lose weight. A corgi needs 60-80 minutes of daily activity (which excludes additional playtime).

A prevalent problem in dogs with long backs and small legs, such as Corgis, is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). When the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, the disc presses on the spinal cord, resulting in the condition. Your dog is probably in great pain if he suddenly becomes unable or unwilling to jump or go upstairs and is reluctant to move about.

The condition can make dogs sedentary and even put their life at risk. If you suspect any signs take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Without care, they can become paralyzed and then gain weight even quicker, which can deteriorate their life dramatically. Additionally, avoid undue strain on his back by installing ramps or steps for your pet starting at a young age.

How Many Calories A Day For A Corgi?

A healthy adult Corgi weighing 25 pounds needs 780 calories per day. As a result, 780 calories makes an excellent place to start when figuring out the right serving size for the kibble you feed your dog. Also, do not forget to give the dogs their snacks and keep track of the calories.

Do Corgis Need Lots Of Exercise?

Both breeds of Corgis, which were originally herding dogs bred for farm labor, have a lot of energy. They are busy dogs filled with life and ready to enjoy the world. These regal puppies must exercise for roughly an hour daily since it’s crucial for their health and mental stimulation.

Exercise helps corgis to burn calories, challenge their minds, maintain their health, and prevent boredom. Without anything productive to do, corgis may turn to other, more destructive outlets for their pent-up energy, such as gnawing and digging. Corgis who are bored might keep themselves occupied by barking and howling.

An excellent guideline to remember when training a puppy is to give them 5 minutes of activity for each month of their age. A six-month-old puppy should be able to walk for about 30 minutes. A mature corgi is another matter. The minimum should be one hour per day.

Because it’s in their DNA, corgis can walk for days. What you should do is incorporate some harder workouts into their everyday schedule. You might not need to spend hours walking your corgi around the neighborhood if you find an activity that they enjoy and that quickly wears them out, of course, without hurting them.