Is Your Dog Overweight Or Too Thin?

LATELY, I have not got into a lot of arguments trying to convince clients that their pets are either overweight or too thin. 

  To many who have the means to give ceaseless amounts of food, there are no limits to the provision of food and treats. 

  On the other hand, it has been a herculean task winning the debate with those who have very thin dogs. It has been difficult to let them understand that they may not be feeding enough or are not just feeding right. 

  And this applies to those who over-stuff their pets with empty calories too.

  However, I have found a perfect solution in Dr. Holly Nash of pets.com answer to similar situations. You will find out how to know if you are doing just right or you are already crossing the red line. Enjoy it. 

  Veterinarians often use a nine-point scoring system to evaluate the body condition of pets. 

  A point value of one means the dog or cat is extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of nine means the pet is grossly overweight. And like Goldilocks and the three bears, a score of five is “just right.” 

  To determine body score, there are several specific areas of the dog or cat we look at. Remember, these are guidelines. A Greyhound with a score of five is still going to be thinner than a bulldog with the same score.

  To perform the rating, we first feel the pet’s rib. We should be able to quite easily feel the ribs. There should be a slight amount of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. 

  If you can see the ribs, the pet is too thin. If you can’t feel them at all, the pet is very overweight.

  Second, check the area near the base of the tail. There should be a slight fat covering over this area and it should feel smooth. If the bones protrude, the pet is too thin. If you cannot feel any bones at all, the pet is very overweight.

  Third, feel other bony prominences on the pet’s body, such as the spine, shoulders and hips. 

  Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt or visible, the dog or cat is too thin. If you cannot feel the bones beneath the layer of fat, the animal is obviously overweight. 

  Fourth, look at your pet from above. The animal should have a definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme, or again, bony prominences are visible, the animal is too thin. If there is no waist, or worse yet, the area between the ribs and hips is wider than the hips or ribs, the dog or cat is grossly overweight.

  Fifth, look at the pet from the side. Dogs and cats should have an abdominal tuck. That is, the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest. This can vary a lot between breeds. 

  Irish Setters and Greyhounds, for instance, appear to have a much more distinct abdominal tuck, since they are so deep-chested. 

  An animal that is too thin will have a very severe abdominal tuck, while overweight animals will have no abdominal tuck.