Have you ever noticed your dog or seen another dog that looks like it has abs? You’re not alone!
Like humans, dogs have abdominal muscles, but they aren’t as pronounced as people’s stomach muscles. Although some abs are a result of breed body type or regular exercise, it’s important to know that there are other more serious possibilities for the appearance of “dog abs.”
In this article, we will explore what these muscles are, what can cause them to appear, and when to seek veterinary attention.
What are ab-like muscles on a dog’s stomach?
All dogs have ab muscles on their stomachs, but most aren’t visible under the various layers of fur. The abs aren’t nearly as defined in dogs due to their overall body structure and, more specifically, due to the shape of their rib cage.
A dog’s abs perform two major jobs, similar to our abdominal muscles.
Like us, their abdominal wall has a layer of fat over it to protect their inner organs. This fat helps regulate their body temperature and keeps them warm while simultaneously protecting those vital innards.
The other major job deals with movement. The abdomen helps with the stabilization and overall movement of a dog. The abdominals are essential for a dog’s health.
In-depth dive of ab-like muscles look
To get a clearer picture of how vital the abdominals are to dogs, this video: Glass Dog Anatomy, does a nice job of showcasing the inner workings of canines. The footage showcases a dog’s anatomy, but at around the 1:30 mark, they start discussing the abdomen.
Also, check out this Anatomy of the male canine abdomen and pelvis on CT imaging. The page offers a closer look at a 6 y/o male dog’s anatomy, specifically the abdomen region.
The appearance of abs on dogs
There are a lot of quintessential functioning organs housed in the abdomen below the surface. Visible abs can be due to a dog’s body type, but if they appear out of the blue, something more complicated is at play.
The look of ab-like muscles can be tricky to discern if they show up randomly, but the best determiners are your dog’s natural body type, exercise routine, and any stark differences in behavior. If something doesn’t line up, consult a doctor.
How can we determine the difference between the two major possibilities? As we move forward, we’ll discuss this in more detail.
Common causes of abs-like muscles in dogs
Physical changes may change the look of your dog’s underside and, specifically, the definition of the abdominals. Taking a look at recent habits can answer this question more concretely.
Weight loss vs. muscle development
One of the most physically common causes of ab-like muscles in dogs is weight loss. When a dog loses weight, their body fat percentage decreases, which can make its abdominal muscles more visible. Weight loss can be due to malnutrition or a medical condition.
However, if a dog engages in regular exercise that targets its core muscles, abs will be more apparent. If your dog partakes in activities such as running or swimming regularly, muscle building is a natural result of these habits. Ab-like muscles can be a sign of a healthy weight due to regular exercise.
A good way to reason through this is to examine your dog’s behavior. If your pup is acting normally and going about business as usual, the appearance of abs shouldn’t be a major concern.
Healthy diet and exercise
To ensure your dog is in good health, follow the general recommendations in both diet and exercise for its breed type. Modifying these recommendations for your pup is fine, within reason, because you know your dog best.
Whether or not abs are present, it’s essential for any dog to have healthy eating habits and a physical routine. A healthy lifestyle for your pup helps prevent illness.
However, even with a proper diet, it’s possible for a dog to have visible abdominal muscles due to underlying health issues.
Consult with professionals to discern the differences and signs to look for in your dog. This article from The Wildest, How to Examine Your Dog’s Stomach and Skeleton, can help with home examinations in between vet visits.
Medical conditions that can cause the appearance of abs in dogs
While weight loss and exercise are common causes, as mentioned above, of ab-like muscles in dogs, medical conditions can cause the ab muscles to appear. These include conditions that affect muscle tone and mass, abdominal distention, and more.
Below is a list of potential medical conditions; this is a general list. If you believe your dog has any of these medical conditions, please consult with your vet or a local professional to get a proper diagnosis.
- Cushing’s disease
- Organ enlargement
- Tumor/cancer
- Heart disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Gas build-up
- Pregnancy
- Intestinal parasite
- Obesity
These illnesses vary in seriousness, but all need to be treated by a doctor.
When to consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis
If you’ve noticed a stark change or a gradual one in behavior, emotional state, or mental state, head to the vet. Similarly, if they are in physical distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, get them professional care ASAP.
The time to consult a vet is truly anytime you are concerned about your animal. If there is something off or a little different than normal that you are worried about, take them.
Questioning or putting off a vet visit can allow the condition to worsen, harming your pup further.
Differences between abs-like muscles and abdominal hernias
Ab-like muscles vs. actual abdominal hernias
It is important to note that the appearance of ab-like muscles differs from abdominal hernias. A hernia is a more serious medical condition.
An abdominal hernia occurs when a hole or weakness in the abdominal wall allows organs or tissues to protrude through the muscle layer. This can result in anything from undetectable non-threatening abscesses to large, harmful ones.
Herniae can start as small bubbly bumps under the skin and generally go unnoticed, but with time as it grows, it can start affecting vital organs. Once it starts to grow larger in size, a dog may start exhibiting different symptoms.
Herniae can cause the following symptoms:
- pain
- discomfort
- vomiting
- lack of appetite
- difficulty urinating
- difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat
These symptoms require prompt medical attention. Hernias are much more complicated than the appearance of abs on your dog.
The importance of abdominal hernias getting treated
If you’re questioning whether the protrusion near your dog’s abdomen is the appearance of abs or a hernia, being proactive is your best asset. It cannot be stressed enough that hernias are best treated sooner than later.
Determining whether your dog needs treatment or has the illusion of heading to the gym a few times a week can be a potential life-and-death situation. Professionals need to diagnose the ab-like bumps on your dog.
Final Thoughts
Key points
Ab-like muscles can be a sign of a healthy weight and exercise regimen in dogs, but they can also be a sign of underlying health issues. The best way to determine your dog’s health is by being proactive and getting them checked by a vet regularly.
In between visits to the vet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise regimen is the next best thing–whether that’s to keep your dog’s naturally buff body or prevent any foreign protrusions from emerging from on your dog’s abdomen.
Monitoring your dog’s body regularly can help keep track of any unusual physical, mental, or social discrepancies not seen previously. And most importantly, untreated hernias can lead to life-threatening issues.
Consult with your veterinarian
Keep regular communication with your veterinarian. Attend regularly scheduled visits to the vet to deter any major complications with your pup.
Remember, if any stark changes happen to your pup, or symptoms manifest, head to the animal clinic right away. Being proactive about your dog’s health and well-being is never a bad idea.