According to statistics, 56% of German shepherds in the United States are overweight. There’s a chance your canine companion might be as well. Below we review 7 potential signs that your dog could stand to lose a little weight.

If your German shepherd weighs more than 90 pounds for males or 70 pounds for females.

The average male German shepherd’s weight is between 65 and 90 pounds. The average female German shepherd’s weight is between 50 and 70 pounds. If your GSD is hitting higher numbers on the scale, it might be time to look at their diet and exercise habits.

This is not a hard and fast rule, however. Much like with people, a dog’s body weight is not a perfect reflection of how much fat they have on them. A dog within the normal range could still have more fat on them than they should and a dog outside the normal range might not necessarily have excess fat either. It’s best to talk with your veterinarian about this if you are concerned.

There are many ways to tell if your dog is overweight without relying strictly on what the scale says, however.

If your German shepherd no longer has an abdominal tuck.

Much like humans, how much that waistline expands is a good indicator regarding if your dog is overweight or not. If you look down at your German shepherd you should be able to see an indentation at their waist, if you don’t then it’s possible fatty deposits have formed.

If your German shepherd has a layer of fat over their ribs.

Also, it should be possible to feel your GSD’s ribs without applying too much pressure. If you’re not able to, it’s likely because there is too much fat. Fat deposits often form on the neck and below the tail.

If your German shepherd is no longer able to easily groom themselves.

If fat deposits cause your GSD’s body size to change, it may cause problems regarding their ability to groom themselves. If you notice your German shepherd is no longer grooming themselves regularly, it could be because they are no longer comfortably able to reach parts of their body. It may also be due to an injury they sustained, however, so it’s best to check in with your veterinarian.

If your German shepherd has become barrel-shaped.

Your German shepherd should be curvy. If they have become barrel-shaped that is a sign of fatty deposits building up. If you notice rolls of fat, it could be a sign of obesity. If you notice your dog is losing their shape, it’s time to speak with your veterinarian.

If your German shepherd has lost some of their endurance.

While all German shepherds will slow down as they get older, they should still be very active until they are seniors. If you start to notice that your German shepherd is beginning to tire easier than they used to, it might be a sign they are overweight. A trip to the vet will let you know for sure, however.

If your German shepherd has lost interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Excess weight can cause your German shepherd to lose interest in fun activities they used to enjoy, perhaps even ones they used to take part in with you. Losing a few pounds could help them rediscover the things in life they love best. Talking to your doctor about a weight loss plan could improve their quality of life.

If you believe your German shepherd is exhibiting any of the above signs, talk with your veterinarian. A change in diet and a little more exercise might help you and your companion lead happier and healthier lives.

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Source: American Kennel Club/Dog Breed Info