Overfed to the Point of Collapse, This Street Dog’s Comeback Will Leave You in Tears
Charlie was living on the streets of Thailand, so dangerously obese that he could no longer move. When Lara, founder of Koh Koh Pups rescue, found him in November 2024, lying motionless in the middle of the road, she knew she couldn’t walk away. (Watch Video Above)
At 38 kgs (83 lbs), Charlie was in desperate need of help. He also had sore spots on his legs and under his stomach. With the assistance of kind Burmese workers, Lara carefully got him lifted into her vehicle, and so began his journey to a new life. Through structured care and unwavering dedication, Charlie’s world started to change for the better.
Small Steps, Big Transformation
On Charlie’s first day at Koh Koh Pups rescue, Lara started him on a strict diet, feeding him small portions. By the next day, she gently encouraged movement by having him follow his food around. Within a few days, Charlie could stand and walk on his own. Before long, he was playing with the other dogs.
In just six months, Charlie shed 11 kgs (24 lbs). His painful sores healed, and his dirty, matted fur was shaved off to reveal a bright, handsome pup beneath it all. Reflecting on his transformation, Lara jokes, “It’s like we put him in the wash and he is shrunk.”
The Cause of Charlie’s Obesity
Charlie lived near a busy beach frequented by tourists who, with good intentions, fed him fried chicken, pork, and other human food for years. Unfortunately, this constant overfeeding caused Charlie to gain excessive weight, eventually leaving him severely obese and unable to move.
Charlie is now doing much better, playing like a normal dog and swimming in the sea. But his story is a reminder that what may seem like a kind gesture—feeding street dogs—can sometimes do more harm than good.
Rocky Kanaka, a well-known pet rescue advocate, sums it up best: “Helping street dogs doesn’t just mean feeding them, it means feeding them right. What we see as kindness can unintentionally lead to suffering.”
Overfeeding: Signs and Dangers
A Reddit user, u/lolatheaudi, recalls how she unknowingly overfed her dog and now regrets it, “I feel like the worst dog mom 😭 my dog needs to loose about 6 pounds because I’ve been accidentally over feeding him. I was going by the chart on the food bag, which I now understand is not accurate. He’s a 3yr old cardigan corgi and excess weight can really hurt their backs and joints and I just feel so bad.”
Whether a dog lives in your home or on the streets like Charlie, you must know the signs if you’re overfeeding them. Veterinarian Dr. Sam Gilbert discusses the following simple ways you can check if your dog is overweight:
- Top View Test: Look at your dog from above. A healthy dog should have an hourglass shape, with a visible waist behind the ribs.
- Side View Test: From the side, the area behind the ribs should appear tucked up or lifted.
- Touch Test: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard. If you can’t, or if their waist is wider than their rib cage, your dog might be carrying extra weight.
- Movement Matters: Is your dog slow to get up, hesitant to jump, or less playful than usual? Excess weight puts stress on joints and can worsen conditions like arthritis.
- Consult Your Vet: Your vet can help determine if your dog is overweight and create a personalized diet and exercise plan to safely shed the extra pounds.
Remember, love isn’t about giving more food, it’s about giving the right kind of care.
Dangers of Overfeeding a Dog
While those extra treats may seem like acts of love, consistently overfeeding your dog can have serious—and sometimes irreversible—health consequences. Here’s what every dog guardian should know, according to Orange Pet Nutrition:
1. Obesity: The Root of Many Problems
Obesity is one of the most common consequences of overfeeding, occurring when your dog consumes more calories than they burn. Obese dogs are more likely to suffer from fatigue, breathing difficulties, reduced stamina, and a weakened immune system.
2. Joint and Mobility Issues
Carrying excess weight places additional pressure on your dog’s joints and bones, particularly in larger or older breeds. This can accelerate the onset of arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. As mobility decreases, your dog may become less active, creating a cycle of weight gain and further joint deterioration.
3. Digestive Distress
Too much food can overwhelm your dog’s digestive system, causing issues like diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or constipation.
4. Diabetes Risk
Obesity is a major contributor to diabetes in dogs. The more weight a dog carries, the more insulin-resistant they may become. It can also leave dogs more vulnerable to infections, cataracts, and organ damage if left uncontrolled.
5. Heart Strain and Disease
Just like in humans, excess body fat puts a strain on a dog’s heart. Over time, this added stress can contribute to heart enlargement, high blood pressure, and even congestive heart failure.
6. A Shorter Lifespan
Just like in humans, excess body fat puts a strain on a dog’s heart. Over time, this added stress can contribute to heart enlargement, high blood pressure, and even congestive heart failure.
