How to tell if your dog is at a healthy weight

Dogs need to be active and healthy. To do this, it is crucial that their body weight is maintained. When it comes to your dog’s weight, the most important things to consider are how intensely it exercises and how often.

In-depth research by Purina Petfood and professional animal nutritionists was conducted in 2002. It revealed that dogs who eat a well-regulated diet can live nearly two years longer. This is quite remarkable considering the average dog’s lifespan is between ten to thirteen years. This is why it is important to keep your dog’s weight healthy. But how can you tell if your dog has reached a healthy weight?

Visit a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to get an accurate answer. However, unless you are looking for a simple way to determine if your dog needs a lifestyle change, there are ways to find out for yourself.

Profile Analysis- A dog’s abdomen should be higher than its ribcage. This means that their undersides should gradually curve upwards toward their rear. If your pet’s profile is steep, it is likely that they are underweight. Conversely, if your dog is not inclined at all or has a very low incline, it could indicate that your dog is overweight. To check your dog’s profile, lower yourself so you are at eye level with it and look from the side.

Rib Examination Another way to tell if your dog has excess weight is to place both of your thumbs on its spine and then open your hands over the dog’s ribcage. You should be able feel the ribs underneath your pet’s skin and coat if they are healthy. However, if you have too much fat you won’t be able. You should look with your hands, not your eyes. Dogs can get their ribcage covered up by their coat.

Header Inspection A healthy dog should have a figure similar to an hourglass. You can see this by standing directly in front of it and looking down. You should be able see the dog’s waist hidden behind its ribs. If your pet’s waist is visible below its ribs, it may be underweight. However, if the waistline is not in line with its ribs, or bulges past them, then it might be overweight.

Your dog’s weight should be adjusted according to its needs. It is possible to over-exercise your dog if it is overweight. Working dog food is ideal for this situation. They are designed to give dogs plenty of energy, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to help them get back to a healthy weight.

You should also consider a diet that is primarily light dog food if your dog is overweight. In light of the fact that nearly half of all dogs in the UK were overweight in 2014, it is time for dog owners and their pets to take action against obesity. You can give your dog grain-free dog food if they have a tendency to have stomach upsets due to certain foods. This will help with digestion and reduce bloating. Pet Express can help you decide which light dog food is best for your pet.