Is My German Shepherd Overweight? How big are the German shepherds? These are just common questions that arise in the mind of a German Shepherd owner, especially regarding their size.
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Did you know that obesity in dogs is also common in humans? Overweight is severe enough to have an impact on our beloved German Shepherd, so it is important to be aware of the risks associated with a little extra weight.
Keeping a watch on your German shepherd, you can tell if they are a little overweight. Maybe you weighed them and the results represent a fat German shepherd.
Now is the time to see if some loving family members can steal extra help for them. On a more serious note, weight gain can be a problem for several reasons.
This can increase the rate of many other diseases in your German shepherd.
The average weight and height of a German Shepherd are influenced by genes and their environment. Therefore, one puppy can grow bigger or smaller than the other.
When we see our German Shepherd in our home every day, it is very hard to notice them when they put on some extra pounds.
Confused if your dog is fat or overweight and needs to lose a few pounds?
Read on to see the signs you can see to find out if your dog is fat and how your puppy is shaping up to stay healthy and happy for years to come.
Ideal weight of your German Shepherd
Here is the approximate weight group for fully grown male and female German Shepherds:
German Shepherds, like all dogs, can vary in size based on genetics, diet, and other factors. Here’s a chart outlining the ideal weight ranges for male and female German Shepherds at different life stages, from 1 month old to 10 years old:
| Age Stage | Male Ideal Weight Range (in pounds) | Female Ideal Weight Range (in pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 5 – 9 lbs | 5 – 8 lbs |
| 2 Months | 15 – 23 lbs | 13 – 20 lbs |
| 3 Months | 26 – 37 lbs | 23 – 33 lbs |
| 4 Months | 35 – 50 lbs | 30 – 43 lbs |
| 5 Months | 42 – 60 lbs | 37 – 53 lbs |
| 6 Months | 48 – 70 lbs | 42 – 61 lbs |
| 7 Months | 53 – 77 lbs | 46 – 67 lbs |
| 8 Months | 58 – 84 lbs | 50 – 72 lbs |
| 9 Months | 62 – 91 lbs | 54 – 78 lbs |
| 10 Months | 67 – 98 lbs | 57 – 83 lbs |
| 1 Year (12 months) | 70 – 95 lbs | 60 – 85 lbs |
| 2 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 3 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 4 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 5 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 6 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 7 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 8 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 9 Years | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
| 10 Years (Senior) | 75 – 95 lbs | 65 – 90 lbs |
These weight ranges are general guidelines, and individual German Shepherds may fall slightly outside of them while still being healthy. Regular veterinary check-ups and discussions with your veterinarian can help ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight throughout their life.
Categories of German Shepherd Body Mass
Here’s a chart outlining the body mass categories for German Shepherds, along with their associated traits:
| Body Mass Category | Traits and Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Underweight | – Ribs, spine, and hip bones are highly visible or easily felt. |
| – Lack of muscle mass, making the dog appear frail. | |
| – Lethargy and reduced energy levels. | |
| – Poor coat condition, dull and brittle fur. | |
| – Possible health issues due to inadequate nutrition. | |
| – Vulnerability to illness and injury. | |
| – Difficulty regulating body temperature. | |
| Ideal Weight | – Well-defined waist when viewed from above. |
| – Ribs can be felt but not prominently visible. | |
| – Adequate muscle mass and good overall condition. | |
| – Energetic, alert, and active. | |
| – Shiny, healthy coat with minimal shedding. | |
| – Reduced risk of obesity-related health problems. | |
| – Ability to maintain proper body temperature. | |
| Obesity in German Shepherds | – Lack of a distinct waist when viewed from above. |
| – Difficulty feeling the ribs due to excess fat. | |
| – Excessive abdominal fat, creating a rounded appearance. | |
| – Reduced activity levels and increased lethargy. | |
| – Dull coat, prone to matting and shedding. | |
| – Higher risk of joint problems, diabetes, and heart issues. | |
| – Decreased mobility and overall well-being. | |
| – Challenges in regulating body temperature. |
It’s crucial to maintain your German Shepherd within the ideal weight range to ensure their health and well-being. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your dog in the best possible condition. Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your German Shepherd’s weight or overall health.
Underweight: In the lightweight range, the dog is thinner, but the extreme version is wasted. Both of these are in the low weight category and are in bad proportions for your dog.
Also Read: Chicken liver and gizzard recipe for dogs to put on weight
- You can find out if your dog is underweight by checking their sides if their ribs are visible.
Ideal Weight: What you should aim for is the ideal weight of a German shepherd, which is 35 kilograms for males and 30 kilograms for females.
- This is very important to feel their ribs, so you can check if your German Shepherd size is normal.
Overweight: Overweight is just a huge German shepherd and at the end of the spectrum you will see the obese area. Due to excessive stress, such dogs are also susceptible to Panting
- You may feel he has more skin where you can no longer feel their ribs, they are overweight.
- If the puppy looks round and oval in shape, your dog is more likely to be fat.
- If your dog’s back is built straight to the defined waist and sides, they are probably at a healthy weight.
Over Weight German Shepherd dog? reasons are one of the following:
Improper diet
Fatty foods or low protein and high-fat diets are high in numbers. Remember, dogs need protein for many reasons, including energy production. Their diet should not be high in fat. Make sure you are giving your dog the right parts and not overeating them.
Eating human food
The proper dog food contains ingredients that are perfectly designed for the health of your German Shepherd. By giving them human food, you are giving them food that is high in fat, lacking essential ingredients, and gaining weight quickly.
Leaving aside the threat of weight gain, your dog is more likely to have gastrointestinal upset without feeding table scraps. It is best to avoid these opportunities and to feed your GSD human food at all.
Lack of exercise
Food sustains life and gives energy. This power needs an outlet. Not only does your German Shepherd need this energy outlet for physical health, but these herdsmen also need exercise to stay calm! An adequate diet without proper exercise can also lead to obesity.
A good exercise is very important for German Shepherds. Whether by playing with them or participating in a walk, exercise should be a priority.
Examine your dog’s behavior
Dogs that are generally inactive and spend more time on their food intake can be overweight and obese. If you notice that your dog’s bed has turned into a comfy pouch, has difficulty walking, has difficulty breathing while walking, and is generally having difficulty moving, they may be fat.
Spaying / Neutering
Spaying and neutering lead to a slower metabolism, so it is important to maintain a daily exercise routine and provide quality food for your puppy to stay at an acceptable weight.
Medical conditions that lead to obesity in dogs:
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism refers to a low-functioning thyroid gland that can cause weight gain, hair loss, loss of energy, and more.
If your dog seems to be gaining weight even after consuming the right amount of approved food, it is a good idea to visit your veterinarian.
Cushing’s disease: Cushing’s disease is a condition that leads to the overproduction of a hormone called cortisol.
This hormone helps in controlling body weight, so any change in the body’s cortisol production makes weight gain difficult to manage without medical intervention.
Genetics: Some species are more obese than others. As German Shepherds gain weight and suffer from forms of joint disease, it is important to watch them closely as their weight increases.
Health effects of being overweight
Overweight dogs develop a number of serious health conditions, including:
- Diabetes:
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder where the dog’s body can’t regulate blood sugar properly.
- It leads to symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and increased appetite.
- Managing diabetes often requires insulin injections and a carefully controlled diet.
- Skin Problems:
- Dogs can develop various skin issues, including allergies, infections, and parasitic infestations.
- These conditions can cause itching, hair loss, hot spots, and skin inflammation.
- Treatment may involve medication, specialized shampoos, or dietary changes.
- Heart Problems:
- Heart diseases in dogs can include congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and heart murmurs.
- Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fluid retention.
- Medications and dietary management are common approaches to manage heart conditions.
- Joint Problems:
- Arthritis and other joint issues can affect dogs, especially in their senior years.
- Dogs may experience stiffness, pain, limping, and decreased activity.
- Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and weight management.
- Kidney Disease:
- Chronic kidney disease is common in older dogs and can lead to kidney failure.
- Symptoms include increased thirst, weight loss, vomiting, and changes in urination.
- Management typically involves a special diet and sometimes medication.
- Canine Arthritis:
- Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, causing pain and reduced mobility.
- It’s prevalent in senior dogs and can also occur due to injuries or genetic factors.
- Treatment includes pain medications, joint supplements, and physical therapy.
- Some Cancers:
- Dogs can develop various types of cancer, such as lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and bone cancer.
- Symptoms vary depending on the cancer type but may include lumps, lethargy, and changes in appetite.
- Treatment options range from surgery and chemotherapy to radiation therapy.
- Liver Problems:
- Liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis can affect dogs.
- Symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Treatment may involve medications and dietary changes.
- Mobility Issues:
- Mobility problems can arise due to conditions like degenerative myelopathy or nerve disorders.
- Dogs may have difficulty walking, balancing, or getting up from a lying position.
- Management can include physical therapy, assistive devices, and medication.
- Breathing Problems:
- Breathing difficulties can result from conditions like brachycephalic syndrome in flat-faced breeds or lung diseases.
- Dogs may experience snoring, coughing, and exercise intolerance.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include surgery or medication.
- High Blood Pressure:
- Hypertension in dogs can lead to damage to organs like the eyes, heart, and kidneys.
- It’s often secondary to another condition like kidney disease.
- Managing the underlying condition and medications can help control high blood pressure.
Each of these medical conditions requires proper diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian to ensure the well-being and comfort of your dog. Early detection and regular veterinary care are essential for addressing these health issues effectively.
Tips to help you reduce your German Shepherd overweight
- Encourage your dog to exercise through a 10 to 15-minute walk every day to get started
- As you implement new routines and diets to lose weight, it is important that you track their process to make sure your plan works.
- With the help of your veterinarian, develop a weight loss plan that controls the calories and portions for your dog.
- High-fiber, low-calorie food for your puppy will make them feel full for longer time durations.
- Fasting or significantly reducing the diet of German Shepherds can lead to major health problems, so it is important to make sure you have a specific plan for your dog’s needs.
- Given can help your dog lose weight by reducing the size of the given treats or eliminating them completely from their diet
- Do not make Needed Crate time longer than necessary.
Conclusion
Obesity makes your beloved German Shepherd suffer from several illnesses that can reduce their quality of life. Their muscle weight is not an issue. Your dog’s ideal weight is to have enough fat in its body and no more.
