The Cane Corso can become overweight meaning that they can gain more weight than they should. Excess weight gain for large breed dogs especially the Cane Corso is detrimental to their health and development.
If you suspect and are worried that your Cane Corso has gained weight, you are in the right place to find out if this is so.
In this article, I will delve into more details to show you signs of an overweight Cane Corso, the causes of weight gain in Cani Corsi, and when to see a vet.
Signs of An Overweight Cane Corso
What does a fat Cane Corso look like? Here are the signs of an overweight Cane Corso:
1. A bulkier body silhouette
Different dog breeds have different body silhouettes that distinguish them as the breed’s physical standards.
The Cane Corso’s body silhouette is a dog with a well-defined, muscular, athletic body. From the neck, their chest broadens and the body narrows towards the hind legs.
If your dog’s body frame does not represent a Cane Corso’s typical form but a bulky or rounded form, then he must have added on more weight.
2. Lack of tucked up belly
Take a look at your Cane Corso from the side. They should have an abdominal tuck up, that is, the area between their rib cage and the rear end should prominently show an abdominal tuck.
The Cane Corso is a deep-chested dog and the abdominal tuck should be very prominent. If you cannot see your dog’s belly tucking up at the hind legs, they are overweight.
3. Lack of a waistline
A Cane Corso with a healthy weight has a noticeable waist. Take a look at your dog from above, viewing their body frame.
The waist should be prominent, which is the area between where their ribcage stops and the rear end. If you cannot see their waistline this means that they have gained weight.
4. Ribs can't be felt
Feel for your Cane Corso’s body. You should also be able to feel your dog’s ribs even without pressing too hard at the side of their body.
However, if you cannot feel their ribs, they have gained some weight.
5. Their weight is above the average for their age
Depending on the age and gender of a Cane Corso, their weights should reflect a healthy rate of growth.
A Cane Corso’s growth chart gives an estimate of the weight at a particular age.
The growth chart weights are averages because all dogs are different and will grow at different rates.
Some will have weights that are more or less their estimated weight at a particular age, which is normal.
You can weigh your Cane Corso or take them to the vet to have them weighed during your regular medical checkups. This will indicate if they are over or under the average weight for their age.
Generally, if your dog’s weight is 15% above the estimated average for their age, they are obese and if the weight is between 0 and 15% of the average weight for their age, they are overweight.
6. Heavy breathing with regular exercise
Cani Corsi don’t usually need or have intensive exercise to keep them healthy. They thrive on moderate exercise and also this helps to avoid strain to their delicate joints and bones.
If your Cane Corso is extremely out of breath with heavy breathing after a regular session of exercise, this can be an indication of extra weight gain which makes them get tired easily.
If they also seem to have less stamina and energy to do their regular exercises, weight gain can be a contributing factor that limits active participation in activities.
Are Cane Corsos fat?
Cane Corsos are not fat, however, they are dog breeds that are predisposed to gain more weight and can become obese like other dog breeds.
The Cane Corso typically has a muscular, well-defined body frame, however, other factors affecting their health and lifestyle can make them gain more weight than normal.
Are Cani Corsi supposed to be skinny?
Cani Corsi are not supposed to be skinny, however, the puppies and adults should have a healthy weight based on their age and the breed’s rate of growth. This healthy weight can make young Cani Corsi look skinny however this is normal.
Read More: Why is my Cane Corso puppy so skinny? (Explained)
What is a healthy weight for a Cane Corso?
Generally, a healthy adult male Cane Corso has an average weight of 90 to 110 pounds (41 to 50 kg) while the adult female Cane Corso has a weight of 80 to 100 pounds (36 to 45 kg).
Different life stages of the Cane Corso from puppies, adolescents, and adults will have different weights based on a dog’s individual age, lifestyle, and health status.
Causes of Weight Gain in Cane Corso
The Cane Corso have a tendency for weight gain and becoming obese, which is a common health concern of the breed. They can gain weight based on different factors.
Common reasons a Cane Corso can gain weight include:
1.Feeding them too much food
If you’re not sure how many calories your Cane Corso needs for healthy weight gain, you may be feeding them more than they require.
The age of a dog can also cause an imbalance in calories used by their bodies. For example, older dogs are less active and as an owner, if you feed them the same calories that you provided them at a young age, they will have more calorie intake which results in weight gain.
Also, giving in to a begging dog for more food can lead to providing excess food than they should have.
Don’t give in when they seem to ask for more, always feed them the correct food quantities appropriate for their age and gender.
2. Illness
Hypothyroidism is an abnormality of the thyroid gland caused by an underactive thyroid.
The condition causes a Cane Corso’s metabolism to slow down which affects all the organs in their body. Several symptoms occur such as weight gain, slowed heart rate, lethargy, dull hair, shedding, hair and skin infections.
Cushing’s disease, which is a disease of the adrenal glands, also leads to weight gain in Cani Corsi.
3. Inadequate exercise
The amount of exercise a Cane Corso requires depends on their age. If not adequately exercised, they add on pounds in weight gain.
Read More: Why does my Cane Corso sleep too much?
A Cane Corso puppy requires about 90 minutes of exercise each day while an adult requires 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day.
The exercise here is in the form of long walks or play. This keeps them in shape and prevents excess weight gain.
Exercise should not be too strenuous such as running or jogging with them. This should be held off until they’re at least 18 months of age.
This allows their young delicate bones and joints to develop properly and prevent orthopedic health conditions.
4. Spayed or neutered Cani Corsi
Cani Corsi that have been spayed or neutered are also likely to become overweight. These procedures affect their metabolism and use of energy which increases the likelihood of weight gain.
Recommended Reading: When should a Cane Corso be neutered?
When to see a vet
Weight gain for a Cane Corso can cause severe lifelong and irreversible health conditions. Therefore it is important to address it.
If you observe and suspect that your Cane Corso may be overweight, seek medical attention from your vet.
The vet will determine the cause of your Cane Corso’s weight gain if they are indeed overweight or other underlying health conditions.
Your vet will create a weight loss plan to help you manage their weight depending on your dog’s age and health condition. You’ll get a customized plan.
Takeaway: Fat Cane Corso
Plump Cani Corsi are at a higher risk of major health conditions that affect their bones and joints. Weight gain should be monitored and controlled to prevent this.
Look out for signs of an overweight Cane Corso and seek medical advice from your vet on how to maintain healthy weight gain for your dog.
For more information on the Cane Corso breed information, health, behavior and care, feel free to check out the Cane Corso guide for owners.