Why is my cavalier king charles spaniel so big

Why is my cavalier king charles spaniel so big?

I am constantly concerned about the health of my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Currently, my dog is a bit older. My biggest concern is being overweight; older dogs are more likely to become overweight than puppies. 

While my dog was still a puppy, I frequently encountered a King Charles Spaniel bigger than mine.

It’s normal for female dogs to be smaller than males, but some owners thought their Cavalier was too big sometimes. My goal today is to shed some light on why Cavalier King Charles spaniels can be bigger than usual. Let’s dive in.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Why Are They So Big?

It cannot be overstated how important size is for dogs. Raising awareness about obesity-related factors is essential for keeping your dog healthy.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels might grow noticeably big if they overeat, eat too many snacks, and consume too many calories or carbohydrates. Occasionally, an inherited health issue may contribute to your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s excessive weight gain.

Why is My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel So Big: Causes

I’ve already discussed the main causes of excessive weight gain in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but now it’s time to provide more details. Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be bigger than others in its breed because of the following reasons:

Excessive Feeding

Overfeeding is the most common cause of excessive weight gain in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The Cavalier should eat 120-180 grams daily, spread out over two meals.

The amount isn’t much, but if you give your dog treats throughout the day, it can quickly gain weight.

Exercise Lacks

It’s more likely for indoor dogs, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, to become obese if they don’t get regular walks. The King Charles spaniel breed is exceptionally active in terms of activity level. 

It is a great dog for agility, and its owner enjoys playing, running, and pleasing it. A cavalier needs to exercise every day for about an hour, which can include running.

You cannot prevent your Cavalier from becoming too big without exercise. On the other hand, it affects his bones and muscles, which will have a long-term impact on his health.

Matting

Matting is another typical factor in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weight increase. When an animal’s fur is left on, it tangles and forms clumps that look like fat deposits but aren’t! Owners often think their dogs’ bigger stature is due to obesity, but instead, it’s due to poor grooming. 

Make sure to remove all tangles from your dog’s fur twice a week when grooming. The proper grooming of your King Charles will also reduce excessive shedding.

If you walk your dog often in the country, you should brush it more frequently. You should brush your dog to keep his coat clean and debris-free when you get home.

The Genetic Tendency

Genetic factors may contribute to weight gain in several dog breeds. Terrier breeds, Beagles, Dachshunds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among these.

King Charles spaniels have an insatiable appetite for food. Owners must stay resilient and not give in to the sad puppy eyes.

Breeds of this breed tend to develop cardiac issues that get worse as they gain weight, so don’t overfeed them.

Various Diseases

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can also get fat from medical conditions like insulinoma, hyperadrenocorticism, and hypothyroidism.

The Medications

Assume that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel regularly receives phenobarbital and glucocorticoids. The likelihood of his appetite increasing in that situation is high.

It is important to remember that medicine or illness could affect his biorhythm or appetite. Make sure your Cavalier King Charles doesn’t gain too much weight and feed him right.

Spaying and Neutering

The hormonal changes accompanying spaying cause dogs to expend more energy, stimulating their appetites and gaining weight.

Symptoms of an Overweight Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may have put on too much weight if the following signs are present:

Invisible Rib Cage and Waistline

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should have ribcages and chests that combine to form a waistline above their hips.

If you can’t figure out where the ribs end, hipbones start, and waist is, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is probably overweight.

A bulky coat may make it difficult to see your dog’s waistline and rib cage. Before you dry your dog after bathing him, look at him. You can see the waistline better when the hair’s tightly wrapped around the body.

Abdominal Distension

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with an enlarged abdomen is another obvious overweight indicator. How do you tell if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an enlarged abdomen? 

Grab your Cavalier’s belly and put your hand around it. A detectable sign is if your cavalier imposes an uncomfortable sensation or appears in agony.

If your dog has a bloated abdomen, you should consult a veterinarian.

Mobility Issues

If your Cavalier refuses to walk in the park or pants in the middle of your walk, don’t force it! The inability to move about indicates that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is overweight.

Consider shorter nighttime and early walk or reducing the length of your walks. Please make sure you walk him daily so you do not overdo it. Step the distance up from there.

Problems with Breathing

Although this symptom only happens rarely, it signals a serious problem. Suppose you ever discover your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is having breathing problems. The time has come to take it to a veterinarian in such a situation.

Fat Accumulation

Imagine your Cavalier is having difficulties reaching his ear to scratch. There’s no doubt that the once-furry fellow has gained weight.

Don’t Self-Groom

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel particularly enjoys grooming itself. If your Cavalier King has an abnormally round body, he’ll have trouble grooming himself. Then you may specify that diet control is necessary.

Feeling Lethargic

Can you see your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who once was so lively, sitting still? You shouldn’t focus on anything else because his weight makes him idle.

Best Practices for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Weight Loss

The causes and symptoms of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s weight gain are now clear. How do you lose weight on your Cavalier King Charles? The following are some tips for reducing the weight of your spaniel.

Ensure It Stays Active

Taking him for walks, playing, and forcing him to run as much as possible will help him build strong stamina. Let him off the leash at least half the time if you are outside with him.

Limit Your Treats

Despite their cuteness, don’t give in to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel treats. As I previously mentioned, do not give your dog extra treats. Don’t you want them to consume as little as possible?

Stick to a feeding schedule to prevent your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from growing too big.

It’s best to use treats for training and then put them away when it’s over. Analyze how many treats he can consume daily. Depending on his needs, reduce the amount of food you give him in the morning or evening.

Regularly Brush His Coat

You should brush your Cavalier twice a week to make sure it’s not matting that’s causing the weight gain.

Reduce Carbs

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should eat healthier food. Reduce the number of excessive calories and carbohydrates. 

Instead of fatty foods like cheese and sweet treats like biscuits, try replacing them with healthier options. For example, slice apples, green beans, and carrots. 

Consult a Veterinarian

Despite taking all the precautions above, consult your veterinarian if your Cavalier’s weight does not seem under control. Develop a diet plan for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel after consulting a veterinarian.

What Is the Average Size of a Fully Grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

If you own a Cavalier, you may wonder about its average size when it reaches full growth.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are slightly smaller or bigger depending on their gender. Male Cavaliers have a bigger physique and more muscle mass, while female Cavaliers have a thinner physique and less muscle mass.

It is estimated that the average Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs between 13 and 18 pounds. In some cases, dogs may fall outside this size range.

When does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Reach Full Growth?

It usually takes about a year for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to reach full growth. In some dogs, growth and filling out may not occur until they reach the age of 18 months.

If your dog isn’t mature and you discover it weighs less than usual, feeding it more is abuse. Exactly why? Changing weights is common in puppies! In other words, if you feed it more today, you will make it obese later.

The Takeaway

That’s all I have to say about why your Cavalier King Charles spaniel is so big. 

This article will help those who have trouble keeping their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels healthy. It is always advisable to keep your dog’s weight within the typical range of your breed, regardless of whether it is a Cavalier.

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