Is My Chihuahua Overweight Or Obese?

Chihuahuas are so small, it’s easy for them to get overweight. This is especially true if you like to indulge them when they beg – it doesn’t take too many human treats to make a Chihuahua overweight. In addition, since so many of us tend to carry them around – in our arms or in bags – our Chihuahuas are not always getting the exercise that they should. But being overweight is not good for your Chihuahua. It can lead to all kinds of health issues and even shorten his lifespan. Because of this, it’s important to recognize when yours has packed on a few extra pounds, so you can adjust your lifestyle or get him checked out by a vet as soon as possible. The following are 3 signs your Chihuahua is overweight.

How Much Should Chihuahua Weigh?

3 to 6 pounds

 

#1 – Can’t Feel Ribs

You should be able to feel your Chihuahua’s ribs when you run your hand over their middle. If you can’t, you need to up your Chihuahuas exercise and cut down on those extra treats. Remember, treats should only be 10% of their diet and for a dog as small as a Chi, that’s not very much!

#2 – No Definition

Chihuahuas should have a definition to their body. This includes a chest and rib cage, which should be round and stick out a bit. Then, their body should slim down to a waist where his hips are. If your Chihuahua doesn’t have a waist, he is carrying around a couple extra pounds. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a great, easy to follow guide for checking your dog’s definition.

#3 – Hard Time Grooming Herself

Have you noticed that your Chihuahua is having a hard time licking or scratching herself? Being overly round can make it impossible for a dog to reach spots they should physically be able to for cleaning and itching. If you’ve noticed your Chihuahua having trouble, it’s time for a diet.

Frequently Ask Questions:

Chihuahuas are highly likable and portable pets prone toward obesity because of their miniature size. Often people find their weight amusing despite the ill effects excessive weight can have on these canines. Well, it is time to learn about how weight can affect your beloved pet. Here are answers to your biggest questions about obesity in Chihuahuas. 

Are Chihuahuas Prone To Obesity?

Due to their petite size, chihuahuas can easily put on weight. They are more than willing to take treat after treat and indulge in too many goodies until they are overweight. Furthermore, carrying them around and not letting them move on their own could hasten weight gain. 

For these and other reasons, chihuahuas are prone to plump figures. Dogs can gain weight for various reasons, such as overeating, inactivity, illness, genetics, reproductive status, age, medication, and other factors. Sadly, a single dog could be dealing with multiple of these issues at once. 

How Do I Get My Overweight Chihuahua To Lose Weight?

When it comes to helping an overweight pup lose weight, you will need to change several aspects of their life to achieve their goal weight. The good news is dogs lose weight easily once you make a few changes. Start by reducing calories and giving them more exercise to burn off excessive calories.

Next, focus on what you are feeding your dog, such as the amount of food, as the amount they need may be much less than you think. A healthy dog with an appropriate weight lives longer and happier, which shows how much you love them. Do not forget to train the others in your home to give less food to your pet too. 

Treats should be taken from the daily ration, not added. You will also need to stop feeding your dog from the table to ensure they get the nutrition they need from dog food. Although, pets can usually add a few veggies. Additionally, never allow free feeding, instead put out their allotted amount of food and remove it after half an hour. 

Avoid dog food with rice and grains as fillers, as their little tummies are not designed to handle carbs. Instead, fresh food with protein, hydration, and fiber will satisfy your dog’s appetite. Also, wet dog food includes more liquid making it easier for their tummies to digest. 

Finally, try rewarding your dog without food. Show them more attention, rub their bellies, and play with them to strengthen your friendship without treats. Increase your dog’s exercise. Gradually increase a 15-minute stroll to 20 minutes. 

How Much Is Overweight For A Chihuahua?

You probably have a fat Chihuahua if you cannot see or even feel his ribs and spine. They will have a large, rounded belly that may be lower to the ground than usual. Although they should have a visible waist and a chest that is wider than their abdomen, obese dogs frequently fail to distinguish between the two. 

However, weighing your dog is the quickest method to find out if they are overweight. Depending on the size of its frame, a healthy Chihuahua weighs anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. If your dog weighs more than 7 pounds, he is probably obese. When talking about such small sizes, even a few ounces can add significantly to their frame and health. 

How Long Do Obese Chihuahuas Live?

With an average life expectancy of between 14 and 18 years, these little dogs are renowned for their lengthy lifespans! That is significantly longer than the 10 to 13-year average for all dog breeds. Furthermore, Chihuahuas frequently survive long past this eighteen-year threshold, with some reportedly living into their early 20s. 

The manner that these dogs are bred by humans throughout the years may be a factor, according to experts. This has led to a dog that grows very slowly, warding off illnesses and issues connected to aging. Whatever the cause, if you take care of your closest buddy, you can be sure they will stick around for a while so long as you keep them healthy and watch their weight.

Is 12 Pounds Heavy For A Chihuahua?

Your dog is severely overweight at 12 pounds, as over 7 pounds is excessive. There are rumors that these little canines can weigh up to 15 pounds. The recommended weight range for chihuahuas is 3 to 6 pounds, with 7 pounds being the maximum. Obviously, every dog is unique and depends on their build which is why you should talk to your veterinarian.

How Much Food Should A Chihuahua Eat?

Chihuahuas are advised to consume only 1 to 1 and a half cups of food every day. Given the small serving size, the right nutrients must be included. Many doggie websites will attempt to persuade you to choose one over the other, but you should exercise caution because some of them are being paid to promote a specific brand and may make outrageous claims. 

The most important thing to remember is that whatever food you feed your dog should be of good quality and given in amounts appropriate for his size, age, and activity level. You can usually find instructions on how much to feed your dog on the package of most dog foods, or you can ask your veterinarian for more information.

What Is The Ideal Weight For A Chihuahua?

Your chihuahua should not weigh more than seven pounds; any other amount can make them overweight. However, most chihuahuas should not weigh more than 6 pounds. Therefore, the only way to know if your pup is overweight is to weigh them.

Is 10 Pounds Overweight For A Chihuahua?

Yes, chihuahuas that weigh over seven pounds are considered obese. At ten pounds, a chihuahua is considered extremely obese and prone to far more health conditions. 

Why Is My Chihuahua Gaining Weight?

Chihuahuas put on weight as a result of a few things that we typically take for granted. Some common causes of obesity in fat Chihuahuas include: 

Overfeeding – What we consider a moderate dinner may be too much for these tiny dogs. In addition, Chihuahuas need fewer calories per day than other dog breeds because they are a smaller breed. As a result, overfeeding will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their size and weight. 

Eating Table Scraps – If precautions are not taken, feeding your chihuahuas from the table might be detrimental to their health. This is because a chihuahua simply cannot regularly consume the large levels of calories, fat, and sodium found in human meals. 

Inadequate Exercise – The fact that chihuahuas do not get enough exercise is another common cause of their weight gain. Even if you give them the correct amount of food, they may still gain weight if they do not exercise. A typical Chihuahua should go for one to two daily walks. Additionally, make sure to carry your dog’s less. This will stop it from becoming too at ease and lethargic when exercising. 

Keeping the Same Diet as They Age – Keeping the same diet as you gave a chihuahua puppy, as you give a senior, can cause excessive weight gain. As they age, chihuahuas require dietary adjustments. Make sure to reduce their daily caloric intake by 10 to 60 calories while still encouraging them to live an active lifestyle by engaging in regular exercise. 

Healthy Post-Workout Snacks – It might be time to switch out the normal snacks you give your chihuahua for a healthier option. It is important to pay special attention to the calories you are giving them in treats every day since you already pay attention to the food you provide them. Choose turkey bacon or chicken breast treats as they have less sugar and more protein.