How do you know if you have an overweight or underweight dog? It can be a complex question for the average dog owner. Just like human bodies, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from small and stubby, long and skinny, to boxy bodies and legs. Guessing the correct weight to fit each frame can be intimidating. These are the signs that can help you know how to judge the weight ratio of some of the most typical dog breeds: retrievers, terriers, poodles, spaniels, shih tzu’s. The main areas to check are the ribs, hips, waist, and belly.

Signs that your dog is overweight:

chunky monkey -A dog without a waist- Your dog shouldn’t look like a dachshund unless he is.

Marshmallow -If you can’t feel your dog’s spine, hips or ribs under gentle pressure and instead just feel the comfortable fat.

Sweetie -A duck dog with layers on the sides and hips that roll as the dog walks.

resounding -If the tummy continues to round beyond the umbilical area where the tummy should start to rise towards the waist.

Signs that your dog is underweight:

the girdle– The dog’s waist appears to be sucked under vacuum pressure.

twig – Hip bones, ribs and spine can be seen or felt with a touch without pressure

Parachute -There is excess skin in the lower part of the waist.

Signs that your dog has the perfect weight:

The width of the waist is 1.2 to 1.3 times greater than the width of the neck

The sides of the dog do not move or roll when the dog moves or runs.

Cannot see hips, ribs, or spine, but can feel them with gentle pressure

· The dog’s belly stretches towards the waist and does not round or shrink excessively.

Patience and a little experimentation go a long way in finding the perfect weight for your dog. Your vet is a great resource when researching how much and what type of food to give your dog. You are the one who lives with your dog on a day-to-day basis, and you will see if there is a change in weight when you change your diet and/or exercise regimen. Whatever you choose, make these changes sparingly. If exercise increases in your dog’s life, make sure his nails are trimmed to a usable length.

If you think your dog is a ‘husky monkey’, check with your vet first to rule out a variety of diseases that affect certain breeds more than others (such as Cushing’s disease) that can make the dog appear overweight when not has it. . This guide works for most dogs. For ‘skinny breed dogs’ like Great Danes, Whippets and Greyhounds, use the Underweight Dog Scale as your perfect weight. If your dog appears to be wearing a leash, try giving him more food, increasing his intake by an additional ¼, 1/2, or 1 cup day and night, depending on the small, medium, or large breed. It is common for dogs that are intact to remain thin. There are many food supplements available on the market to increase appetite. The veterinarian’s guidance and experimentation are the keys to changing the dog’s weight.

Find out where your dog’s weight falls. Consult a vet if he has any questions. Make the changes appropriate for your dog’s age. Experiment with your dog on a weekly basis by changing his food intake and exercise program little by little. See the pictures and videos of the dog weight ranges on the website for more help with your breed. Give your dog the longest, healthiest life he can, ditch the marshmallows and let Twiggy remain a memory, keep your dog’s weight “just right.” The time you gain with it will more than make up for the inconvenience and effort it may cost you.

Copyright 2010 DuAnn Lustig Chambers

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