When you have a pet, it might be natural for you to want to keep feeding dog treats and smothering it with all the love that is possible, too! However, it has been observed that there is an increased incidence of obesity in dogs, and it is projected to grow in 2021. Cuddle buddies are great, but health comes first. This blog will help you determine the body competition of your furry pet.
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Checking for body shape: This is the simplest way to determine changes. You see your dog every day and can probably tell how much its body shape has changed over time. If you are not able to speak, you can also go through your phone's gallery, which, as dog parents, is full of our pets.
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Feeling the ribs of your dog: Another common and simple technique is to feel the ribs of your dog. It has been observed that being able to feel the ribs of your dog or even being able to see them from the outside can be a huge indicator of your dog’s weight issues. If you notice they are less prominent, chances are your dog is gaining weight.
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Fat pads: If you have never heard the word fat pads, they are deposits of fat on your dog’s body. When dogs start gaining weight, you will notice that there is excess fat, which is more visible on certain parts of their body. This can be around their hips on top of it for many dogs.
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Body composition score: A more scientific approach to identifying the body composition of your dog. There is a body composition score for dogs ranging from 1 to 9. Dogs who have a composition of one tend to be very thin. On the other hand, if your dog falls on 9, it must be very overweight. There are fat deposits on various parts of their body.
The ideal body composition score for any dog is 4-5. If your dog is in this bracket, it is considered healthy. These charts are available in the market; however, if you are finding it difficult to understand the dog's body composition, it would be ideal to go to a vet. Dog Health is crucial to take care of.
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Weighing scale: You can also go to the clinic and check your dog's weight. It might be a good idea to get your dog’s weight regularly changed so you are much more aware of any differences that might occur between appointments.
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Lack of stamina or interest in physical activities: If your dog is becoming overweight, you will notice that they are not able to perform the activities that they could anymore. You might notice they are not as enthusiastic as they were. They might like to lay around the couch and do nothing. Do not see it as a mood change; make sure you check if they are just becoming unhealthier. Subtle changes such as not being able to play for as long as they used to could also be an indication of gaining more weight.
Taking care of your dog’s health is essential. If a problem increases, it can lead to significant issues, such as diabetes, skin problems, canine arthritis, mobility issues, and even breathing problems. Some of these diseases can be fatal. This is why if you begin to notice specific changes in your dog's movement, you can immediately work on it.
Take care of your dog on outdoor adventures on Sunday and play every day for a designated amount of time. This will not only keep them physically healthy but also ensure that they are mentally healthy. You can buy cheap dog toys and make your playing sessions even more fun. This could also give you more quality time with your furry friend and keep your health in check!
Read more: Top Dog Food Brands: A Complete Guide to Finding the Best for Your Dog
