Using A Dog Weight Chart
Many owners have trouble determining whether or not their dog is overweight. We’ve become so accustomed to seeing dogs who are overweight that it’s hard to tell if our dogs are lean, overweight or positively obese. In this case a dog weight chart may be helpful.
A dog weight chart typically consists of drawings of dogs in different states of fitness, ranging from emaciated or very thin to obese or grossly obese. The drawings are usually offered in both side view and from above. In order to use the dog weight chart you will need to try to find where your own dog’s body falls on the chart.
The dog weight chart also offers brief descriptions of each of these drawings and conditions, discussing what you should be able to see and feel with a dog in each case. It provides good, objective information that is helpful for anyone who owns or works with dogs.
You can often obtain a dog weight chart from your veterinarian. Of course, you can also discuss your dog’s weight and level of fitness with your vet. It’s often a good idea to talk to your vet about your dog’s weight, especially if you are considering a change of diet. He or she can help you determine your dog’s ideal weight.
Dog weight charts can provide a good view of what your dog should ideally look like in order to be fit. However, in order to tell if your dog is overweight or obese it’s often better to assess your dog’s weight by feeling and using your hands than using the dog weight chart. When you feel your dog with your hands you can tell if your dog is flabby or muscular, for example. You can tell if your dog is well-toned or not. You can determine if you can feel your dog’s ribs — you should be able to feel them (or at least find them!) but not see them when you check your dog.
Your dog should have a waist and a “tuck-up.” Viewed from above, your dog’s back should not be flat like a tabletop. Remember that even dogs who weigh the same in terms of kilograms may be quite different in terms of muscle and condition. A male dog may be more muscular than a female dog. A neutered dog may have to work harder to keep his weight down than an intact dog. There are many variables when it comes to weight.
Of course, dog weight charts do use drawings of a generic-looking dog. This can make them difficult to use if you own a Pekingese or a Bulldog, for example, or any dog that is not shaped something like a Labrador Retriever. However, a dog weight chart is still helpful for people with many breeds and crossbreeds.
According to many vets, in our society today there are far more dogs who suffer from being overweight and obese than from being hungry. A dog weight chart, combined with a hands-on assessment of your dog, can help you see if your dog is close to a healthy weight or if he needs to work on losing weight.
Back to the dog articles
|
