REDDMOLOSSER DOGS - PET SIZE-O-METER

Remember to make the most of advice on weight management offered by many vet practices and pet care proffesionals, often the advice is given with the best interests of the future health and welfare of your pet in mind. Too much weight can be as bad for your pet as too little weight. It is imperative that you do not become fixated on making your young dog (especially in the case of the Dogue and Mastino) look like the pictures in the books. The subjects in the owners manuals are very often fully matured animals, thay have been through the 'ugly years'. In most large breed dogs the weight will come once fully mature.

CHARACTERISTICS:

1 Very Thin

* Ribs, spine & hip bones are very easily seen (in short haired pets)

* Obvious loss of muscle bulk

* No fat can be felt under the skin

Your pet is very likely to be underweight. Your pet may have a naturally lean physique but we recommend you speak to your local vet to rule out any underlying medical reasons such as an overactive thyroid gland. If your pet is healthy, but otherwise underweight your vet is likely to advise some dietary and lifestyle changes.

2 Thin

* Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen

* Obvious waist and abdominal tuck

* Vey little fat can be felt under the skin

Your pet is thin and potentially underweight. Your pet may have a naturally lean physique but we recommend you speak to your local vet for a health check up. If your pet is healthy but otherwise underweight your vet may advise some dietary and lifestyle changes.

3 Ideal

* Ribs, spine and hip bones easily felt

* Visible waist with an abdominal tuck

* A small amount of fat can be felt

Congratulations your pet is in ideal boy condition. This is great news as research has shown that pets at their ideal body condition can live up to two years longer. To keep your dog in perfect shape monitor its weight and body condition on a regular basis (e.g. once a month) and be careful what you and everyone else in the family feeds it. Remember, any changes in lifestyle (e.g. reduced exercise, recent surgery, extra treats or even factors such as stress) can result in weight change.

4 Overweight

* Ribs, spine and hip bones are hard to feel

* Waist barely visible with a broad back

* Layer of fat on belly and at base of tail

Your pet is potentially overweight. Being overweight is unhealthy for pets as it can lead to a shortened life-span, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes as well as several other medical conditions. Speak to your local vet for advice and a thorough health check-up. The vet will look for any underlying medical reasons as to why your pet may be too heavy. If there are no underlying health issues a change of diet and lifestyle is likely to be suggested. Many vet practices run free weight management consultations, ask about these services when you ring to book an appointment.

5 Obese

* Ribs, spine and hip bones extremely difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat

* No waist can be seen and belly may droop significantly

* Heavy fat pads on lower back and at the base of the tail

Your pet is likely to be obese and this can have serious medical implications. Being overweight is unhealthy for pets as it can lead to a shortened life-span, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes as well as several other medical conditions. Speak to your vet for advice and a thorough health check-up. The vet will look for any underlying medical reasons as to why your pet may be too heavy. If there are no underlying health issues a weight loss programme will probably be individually developed for your pet and should include diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Please Note:

There are some cases where the natural shape of a dog may mean this simple system doesn't translate as easily. For example Whippets & Greyhounds tend to have lean physiques while a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or similar) will have a broader shape. Bichon Frise (or similar) will have nice fluffy coats for you to contend with. If you need help or are unsure of your dogs body condition ask other people who have similar breeds for their advice (do not be offended at what they may tell you) otherwise book an appointment at your local vet.