Monitoring your dog’s weight is essential. An overweight dog is more likely to develop chronic diseases, to suffer from joint pain and to live less. But how can you make sure that your companion is at its ideal weight without using a balance?
Mairéad Leahy, veterinarian at the Arra veterinary clinic in Ireland, offers a simple method to assess your dog’s body condition in just 30 seconds. It highlights three aspects to observe and no need for a veto diploma, anyone can take this test. First of all, she explains that your dog’s ribs should be easily palpable without having to exert excessive pressure. It is a bit of the equivalent of the feeling that you have by passing your fingers on the back of your hand: you feel the bones without having to press hard. If you have to press strongly to feel them, it may indicate overweight. Conversely, if the ribs are visible to the naked eye, your dog is probably too thin. This observation is valid regardless of the race, even if some, like the levy, are naturally finer than others.
Then you should be able to observe your dog’s waist. It must be well defined and be behind the ribs. A dog seen from above must therefore have a silhouette in the shape of a hourglass. Any -marked size can suggest an excess weight, while a too fine size can indicate weight insufficiency. This step is particularly useful in long -haired dogs, whose extra pounds are often masked by fur.
Finally, examine the abdominal withdrawal. Your dog’s belly should go backwards, forming an ascending line between the ribs and the rear legs. In a healthy dog, this curve is clearly visible when it is standing and seen in profile. If this line is flat or descending, it can be a sign of overweight. On the other hand, a belly too tucked can, on the contrary, report excessive thinness. This abdominal withdrawal is less marked in certain very muscular or very stocky breeds.
In summary, to assess the weight of your dog without a scale, simply check these three elements: the ribs must be palpable, but not visible, the waist tower must be well defined behind the coasts, and the abdominal fold must form an ascending line. If you have doubts or concerns about the weight of your dog, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
