Fat Pug: How To Tell If Your Pug is a Healthy Weight JANUARY 19, 2019 BY KRISTIN HITCHCOCK LEAVE A COMMENT A fat Pug is likely to have health problems. This breed often has trouble breathing, even at a healthy weight, so the extra pounds are going to add up to some serious issues. Despite their barrel ribs, Pugs should be slim with a visible tuck at the waist. Just like for us humans, bad habits and over eating cause Pugs to gain weight. But carrying a few extra ounces or pounds can have health implications for your pup too. Let’s find out what the healthy weight for a Pug is, and how to help a Pug who’s overweight. Is My Pug Fat? Pugs typically weigh around 14 to 18 pounds. Of course, some Pugs might weigh more or less than this and still be healthy. Instead of relying on the scale alone, we recommend looking at your Pug’s body for signs of obesity. There are two easy ways to check dogs’ weight at home. Step 1: Feel their rib cages on the sides of their chests You should easily be able to feel your Pug’s ribs under their skin. There should only be a very thin layer of fat present, much like the back of your hand. If it is difficult to feel their ribs, it is possible that they are overweight. On the other hand, you should not be able to see your dog’s ribs when they are in a normal standing position. This is a sign that your dog is underweight, which can cause all sorts of problems as well. Step 2: Look for your dog’s waist Just like a human, your dog should have a waist around her stomach area between her ribs and hips. The easiest way to check a dog’s waist is to look at her from the top down. Pug waistlines are not as pronounced as other breeds. But Pugs should still have small indents on their waists. If you Pug is more rounded, it is possible that they are overweight. Pug Shape Pugs‘ large eyes, shortened snouts and curly tails make these pooches easily recognizable. However, many of these unique characteristics also give Pugs a few health problems. Their short snouts, for example, cause many of them to experience breathing problems. They are also known to experience spinal difficulties because of their screw tails. These conditions affect their ability to run, play, and generally be active. Do Pugs Get Fat Easily? Pugs are not known to be active dogs. Many would much rather lay around than do much activity. But that’s not because they are inherently lazy dogs. https://thehappypuppysite.com/lazy-dog-breeds/ Their reluctance to exercise is actually because of their breathing problems. The Pug’s shortened snout makes it difficult for them to breathe and get the oxygen they need. Because of these difficulties, many Pugs tire quickly and can only handle short exercise sessions. Their owners often must restrict their playtime to prevent overheating or fainting. In hot weather, it might even be impossible for a Pug to exercise at all. Often, the risks are not worth it. This inability to exercise for extended periods can make the Pug gain weight quickly. It is essential that their food intake is restricted appropriately. A cycle of weight gain On top of this, a healthy weight is essential for a Pug’s health. If a Pug becomes overweight, it is often even harder for them to breathe properly. This difficulty only makes them able to exercise less, which compounds their weight gain. In this case, prevention and proper veterinary care are the best medicines. But, if you do think your Pug is overweight, there is no reason to fret. Visiting the Vet to Help Your Fat Pug If you have done these two tests and suspect your Pug might have some extra fat, it is essential to take them to the vet. This is to rule out any underlying health condition which might have caused weight gain. This step is particularly important if the weight gain was sudden. Your vet will also check your dog for subsequent health problems caused by carrying extra weight. Because Pugs have many structural problems, extra weight can have a severe imp