Do you have a fat dog, or do you prefer the term fluffy? If your Morkie is a porkie, he won’t live as long because he’s in danger of developing high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes. Even several of these ailments at the same time. Plus he may suffer from aching joints, heartburn and overall discomfort. Here’s how to tell if you have a fat dog, and what to do about it.
How to tell if your Morkie is overweight
It’s as little hard because of all the hair, so if you keep your Morkie’s hair long, I suggest you do an inspection when he’s wet. From overhead, see where your Morkie fits: 
Here’s another view
From the side, you should be able to tell where the ribs are, but they shouldn’t be protruding. The neck should look sturdy, not thin. Note the ‘abdominal tuck‘ – Morkies have a fairly deep chest, so there should be a definite tuck where their tummy is.
Breeds most prone to obesity
- Basset Hounds
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Beagles
- Golden Retrievers
- Dachshunds
- Cocker Spaniels
- Labrador Retrievers
- Newfoundlands
- Rottweilers
- Bichons
7 reasons you shouldn’t let your Morkie get overweight:
- Health problems: Just like humans, overweight dogs are at higher risk for a range of health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and more. Major issues like kidney disease, respiratory problems, and many forms of cancer are directly related to dogs who are overweight.
- Shorter lifespan: Studies have shown that overweight dogs have a shorter lifespan than dogs that maintain a healthy weight.
- Decreased quality of life: Overweight dogs may have difficulty exercising, playing, and engaging in other activities that are important for their physical and mental health.
- Increased veterinary bills: Treating health problems related to obesity can be expensive, and overweight dogs may require more frequent trips to the vet.
- Reduced bond with your pet: Overweight dogs may have a harder time bonding with their owners, as they may be less active and less interested in spending time with their human companions.
- Arthritis – Extra weight puts extra pressure on a dog’s joints. The cartilage in the joint deteriorates, which leads to arthritis.
- Anesthesia risk – The heart and lungs of overweight and obese dogs have to work harder during anesthesia. The dog struggles to breathe because he has difficulty expanding his chest. Dogs often sleep too deeply or not deeply enough. In addition, overweight dogs may take a long time to wake up after anesthesia.
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Remember to keep your pupper at a healthy weight, cut way down on treats, feed a quality diet and enjoy exercise together.
Does it really matter if your Morkie is overweight?
Yes! A pet that’s just 10% to 20% overweight is at risk of lots of serious health problems – and his life can be shortened by an average of 2 1/2 years! That’s reason enough to keep your Morkie’s weight at its healthy range.
Credit: Prudence Insurance
Help your Morkie lose weight
Slowly cut back food
Give your dog the best quality food you can. Reduce the amount gradually. At the same time, stop giving him tidbits from the table or specially cooked foods that aren’t so good for him. (And no, your Morkie won’t eat salad.) Worried your Morkie will stop eating altogether and starve? He won’t. Honest. And if you’re seriously worried, please see your Vet for more advice.
Eliminate treats
Commercial dog treats have LOTS of calories. And most of them are not good for your dog anyway. In fact, treats like Beggin’ Strips, rawhide chews and jerky treats are often on recall because of serious contamination from salmonella and toxic chemicals. Plain old dog biscuits like milk bones aren’t that great either. They’re loaded with sugar, contain BHA, a preservative that is a known cancer causing agent… PLUS, they’re made with chemicals that also are used to manufacture things like rubber and petroleum products, and embalming fluid.
Walk more
“But my Morkie runs all around the house all day!” you say. “Isn’t that enough exercise?” Actually it isn’t. Small dogs often miss out on daily leashed walks because they already seem so active at home. but all dogs benefit from a regular, brisk walk outdoors. And a leashed walk does more for your Morkie. It tells him that you’re the alpha dog in charge, and helps build a strong bond between the two of you. Like I always say, a tired dog is a good dog.