Your Dog's Ideal Weight

I was looking over the news feeds today and came across this article discussing overweight dogs. I know a lot of folks have questions about this so I thought it might make a worthwhile post.

As in the story, dogs carrying too much weight can suffer a variety of health problems - skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine (diabetes), etc. And as in humans, a dog's weight is a matter of caloric intake vs activity and metabolic levels. The thing owners need to keep in mind is that a dog relies on its owners for food and exercise. This is a responsibility that owners should not take lightly.

So how do you know if your dog needs to lose weight? My rule of thumb is to run your hand along your dog's back feeling the ribs and flank. You should be able to feel a slight "step off" from the bottom ribs on the back as you move toward the hind quarters. For working and very active dogs, you should be able to feel some definition there of individual ribs as well.

It's not enough to do this once. You should get in the habit of touching and examining your dog regularly. Not only to stay aware of its weight, but to check your dog's skin, teeth, ears, mouth, etc. Look for signs of injury or illness (bumps, inflammations, etc).

Dog's don't pack a lot of weight on, or lose a lot, in a week or two. This occurs gradually. If you notice undesired changes during your regular exams, reduce (or increase) food by a small margin for a time until your pet reaches a desired weight. Once there, make a final adjustment to maintain that weight.

Recommended volumes for feedings are generally set for dogs that are NOT neutered. These recommendations may be high for neutered dogs or those that are less active. You can buy formulations that are lower in fat and calories as well, which can be helpful.

On the other side of this equation is exercise. Do it! It's not only great for your dog, it's good for you too. It's also a perfect way to spend some quality time with your pet. Walks are my #1 recommended activity - they get everyone exercise and can build good communication when you throw in some training (heel, sit, down, etc.). But any activity the two of you share is something your dog will cherish.

There's no magic bullet here. Exercise, good food in the right portions, and spending time together can improve both your dog's health and your own quality of life.