Does Your Dog Need A New Year’s Resolution?
Here’s How to Check if Your Dog Needs to Shed a Few Pounds This Year!
The holidays are over and 2022 is getting under swing! Many of us humans have resolved to eat better and shed those extra pounds... but what about our dogs?
Canine Obesity Rate Is Sky High
The AKC estimates that the majority of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Millions of people think their dog’s weight is healthy, when in fact it’s not.Studies have shown that dogs fed to their optimum weight live several years longer than obese littermates. Just a few simple dietary adjustments can help your bff enjoy a longer, happier life!
It’s easy to score your dog’s weight health!
Dogs come in so many shapes in sizes, there is no formula that works for all dogs. It's best to check with your vet to see what is ideal for your pet, but there are some easy ways to check at home to see if you're overfeeding Fido!
Body Condition
Nothing replaces the experienced eye of your vet, but you can easily get an idea of whether your dog is under- or over-weight! Here are two ways you can check your dog's body condition:
1. How easily are the ribs felt?
For a dog to score in the healthy range, the ribs should be easy to feel - but not to see (in most breeds - for lean built breeds like greyhounds and whippets, somewhat visible ribs are normal.)
Press your hands over the rib cage of your dog, Individual ribs should be evident without having to feel too hard, but they should not be readily felt without pressing in. There should be no layers of thick fat (overweight) and the ribs should not be obvious to the eye (underweight).
2. How obvious is your dog's waist and abdominal tuck?
You should be able to see a defined waist, or “abdominal tuck,” when viewing your dog from the top AND side. For round-shaped dogs, you might need to feel for whether there is an abdominal tuck.
Palp[ate your dog's waist from side and along his back. This is extra important with furry dogs! Dogs that are underweiught will feel bony, especially over the hip, shoulderblades and ribs. Obese dogs have excess fat and soft areas, and it is difficult to feel their ribs or hip bones.
What do I do now?
If your dog is overweight or underweight, changes should not be too drastic! Suddenly changing diet or exercise for your pup could lead to problems. Ask your vet how to gradually help your pet achieve a more optimal body weight. Your dog will thank you!
