Just like us, our pets are prone to becoming overweight. There are many factors involved that can lead to this. Weight plays an important role in several diseases as well including diabetes and arthritis and has the potential to shorten the lives of our beloved pets. We should also consider the body condition score when determining if an animal is overweight, not just the number on the scale.
When is a dog considered to be overweight?
We use the scale number with the body condition score to determine if a dog is overweight. Normal body condition score, from a distance, can see the abdomen tucks upwards. From above, your pet should have an hourglass shape. By touch you should be able to feel the very tops of the spine (usually 3-4 bumps), find the hips easily (but not see them), and fell the ribs with a gentle but firm brush against them (not see them at rest). Overweight dogs lose the abdominal tuck and hourglass shape, and it becomes more and more difficult to feel the spine, hips, and ribs with increasing fat coverage.
Are some breeds prone to obesity?
All breeds have the potential to become overweight. However, the breeds most common to see overweight are all types of bulldogs, Labrador and golden retrievers, miniature poodles, miniature schnauzers.
Why should my dog have weight loss consultation at the clinic?
We can help you to identify where the extra calories are coming from, recommend the best foods for weight loss or control, and help set up a safe diet plan that will allow for healthy weight loss.
