Is My Dog Underweight, Overweight, Obese?
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Emaciated
- Individual ribs, spine and pelvis prominent and evident from a distance.
- Lack of muscle mass.
- Little or no body fat.
- Rump hollow.
- Waist prominent when viewed from above.
- Abdomen obviously tucked up.
- Neck thin.
- No fat on tail.
- Veterinary advice must be sought.
Thin
- Ribs, spine and pelvis bones visible and easily felt.
- Little body fat.
- Neck thin.
- Abdomen tucked up.
- Little fat on tail.
- Obvious waist when viewed from above.
- Increase feeding and worm dog if not wormed recently. (ensure all-wormer used – some products do not cover all worms).
- Seek veterinary advice if dog remains underweight or unsure of feeding or worming regime.
Ideal
- Ribs and spine can be felt, last few ribs may be visible.
- Dog should have a waist when viewed from above.
- Belly is tucked up when viewed from side.
- Good muscle mass.
- Rump well muscled.
Overweight
- Ribs and spine not visible but can be felt.
- Fat deposit on tail.
- Little or no waist when viewed from above, rounded appearance, back appears broadened.
- Dog squarish along back line when viewed from side.
- Abdomen not tucked up, may appear rounded underneath.
- Reduce feed intake or provide lower calorie feed. Increase exercise. Seek veterinary advice if unsure of appropriate diet or concerns over exercise regime.
Obese
- Ribs and spine not visible and difficult to feel.
- Tail has obvious fat deposit.
- No waist and back broadened when viewed from above.
- Belly obviously rounded and possibly distended.
- Dog square or rounded up along back line when viewed from side.
- Seek veterinary advice on diet and exercise regime.
If you are worried about the health of your dog, contact your local emergency vet.
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