Pet obesity is a problem today. If your dog or cat is overweight, then you need to consult with a veterinarian about revising your pet’s diet. In order to tell if your dog is overweight, you should be able to feel the animal’s spine or ribs. Only a thin layer of fat should separate the skin from the spine or ribs. If you cannot feel the ribcage, then your dog is too heavy.
Research Suggests That Many Dogs Are Overweight
When you schedule a check-up at an animal clinic in Lenexa, KS, ask the veterinarian to assess your dog’s weight during the exam. If your dog is 15% over what is considered your dog’s maximum weight, then he or she is obese. According to research, over half the dogs studied were considered either overweight or obese.
Besides checking your dog’s weight at an animal clinic, you also want to check it weekly at home. If your dog is too heavy, then make it a point to check your pet’s weight on a recurring basis. When your dog weighs too much, he or she is more likely to suffer from other illnesses such as diabetes.
How to Weigh Your Dog at Home
So, in order to weigh your dog at home, step on the scale with your pet. Then subtract his or her weight from yours to get your pet’s weight. If your dog is a small-breed dog, purchase a baby scale and weigh him or her on it.
According to animal clinic professionals, some breeds are more prone to put on weight than other breeds. Dogs such as German shepherds, Yorkshire terriers, or greyhounds are normally thin. However, dogs such as dachshunds, beagles, golden retrievers, rottweilers, and basset hounds all have a tendency to pack on the pounds.
To get your dog back on track and take off the weight, schedule an appointment at a veterinary facility such as the Cherokee Animal Clinic. Professionals can assess your pet’s health and weight and guide you in a plan that will help your dog take off the excess fat.
