Is your pug too porky?
(Picture: Jorge Zapata / Unsplash)Winter in the wild means months of overeating for hibernation – but domesticated animals have long since been unused to the extra pounds.
So, as tempted as dog owners may be to slip bits of Christmas dinner to their beloved pups under the table, monitoring their diet and weight is crucial for overall health.
There is a growing concern around obesity for pets of which many are left unaware.
And, despite the increasing issue, only 14 per cent of owners asked said that their dogs needed to lose weight – while some may not even be aware of their dog’s condition – according to a report by People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
So here’s Dr Louisa Lane’s top tips on how to keep an eye on your pet’s growing belly.
The ribcage
Napo pet insurance’s expert vet Dr Lane said: “Gently place your hands on either side of your dog’s chest, you should be able to feel the ribcage without applying too much pressure because there should be minimal fat covering over the ribs. If this isn’t the case and you can’t easily feel the ribs, it could be possible your dog is overweight.”
The abdomen and waist
“Your dog should have an obvious hourglass figure when observed from a bird’s eye view,” explained Dr Lane.
“Look at your dog from above. If their torso is a straight line or goes out in the middle, it’s likely your dog is carrying a little too much weight.”
The belly
Finally, the part we all most likely notice, is the softening tummy area – which many pets may protect most fiercely.
Especially for smaller dogs, a larger underbelly can impede their gait and make it uncomfortable or even painful to walk.
“Any extra weight around the mid-belly can be a sign your dog is overweight. Get down on your knees and look at your dog from the side. A healthy dog’s abdomen should tuck up in between the chest and the hind legs. If it’s straight across, or hanging down, your dog might be struggling with their weight.”
Dr Lane adds: “Just like humans, a lot of factors can influence a dog’s weight, which is why it’s important for a trained veterinary professional to assess your pet to put an appropriate management plan in place.
“However, for owners, learning how to use the body-condition scoring system can be a good start into assessing your pet’s health and weight.”
Obesity in dogs can lead to more serious health issues, if left unattended – but a healthy diet and regular exercise should do the trick.
