Keeping the
pet well-fed is a goal shared by all responsible dog owners, but did you know
obesity is just as hazardous as being too thin? If you're concerned about the
pounds your pup has been packing lately, there are a few simple methods to
determine if he's actually overweight.
Rib Test
- You can learn a lot about your dog's health just by
rubbing his rib cage. Lay your fingers against the sides of his body
behind his shoulders and gently feel around the area. While a little fat
under the skin is perfectly fine, you shouldn't need to press hard to feel
each rib clearly. The pup may be over his healthy weight If you need to
press firmly to feel his ribs or if the skin covering them rolls into
folds larger than half an inch. You should also be able to feel his spine,
hips and shoulder bones without much effort.
Body Shape
- When looking at your dog from the side, his tummy
should angle upwards in a nearly straight line towards his groin area. For
most dogs, the ribs and chest should be the lowest part of their torso's
profile when they stand on four legs. If your dog's tummy sags below his
rib cage and doesn't slope steadily upwards towards his back legs, then
your pup may be considered overweight or obese, according to The Bill
Foundation. From a top-down view, your pet's body should have a slight
hourglass shape. Healthy dogs have a distinct waistline in front of their
hips.
- Even a few pounds over the "ideal" weight
for your dog can put a damper on his energy levels. If he is reluctant to
exercise, or seems to run out of steam much sooner than he did in the
past, then his body weight may be holding him back. Being overweight
discourages him from exercising, which only accelerates excessive weight gain.
Bearing too much fat inhibits his heart, lungs and digestive system. It
also makes him more vulnerable to infectious diseases and joint problems.
Ask the Veterinarian
- Take your pup in for a checkup and talk to your vet
about his body weight. If he believes your pet needs to shed a few pounds,
ask about safe weight loss strategies, including daily calorie allotment
and meal frequency. Check the label on your pet's food to find the calorie
content and recommended portion size. If you leave food your dog's bowl
out all day, there's a good chance that overeating rather than unhealthy
food is responsible for his weight gain. Feed your dog according to your
vet's recommendations regarding daily calorie and nutrient consumption.
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From a top-down view, your pet's
body should have a slight hourglass shape. Healthy dogs have a distinct
waistline in front of their hips.
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