Is your dog overweight?

Maintaining your dog’s weight can be a challenge. We love our four-legged friends and it’s all too easy to spoil them with a few extra snacks every now and then — but did you know that pet obesity is a growing (pardon the pun) concern in Australia? According to a report by the Australian Veterinary Association, 41 per cent of dogs are a little on the chubby side, which can be a big problem when it comes to their health.

Your veterinarian should be able to tell you if your pet needs to lose some weight during your annual visit. If you’re concerned at home, you can conduct an analysis by:

feeling your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs through its coat without a thick layer of fat covering them.
checking your dog’s body shape. Most healthy dogs have a chest that is wider than their abdomen. If you have an overweight dog, the difference between chest and stomach will be less pronounced.
weighing your pet. Each breed has a standard weight that you can use as a guide to help determine their ideal weight — but this is only a guide, and size can vary dramatically. Another option is to compare a previous healthy weight your pet has had with their current one.

If you’re concerned your pet has put on a few pounds, just like with humans, exercise is key. As well as their daily walk, consider extra ball games or even a doggy sport such as agility to keep them in top condition.

Diet is something else to monitor. Make sure you are feeding your dog a quality pet food that is full of fresh ingredients and of course if you have any serious dietary concerns, contact your local vet.

This pet health tip is brought to you by Nutrimate, producers of premium-quality, food-grade pet food. For more information, visit nutrimatepetfoods.com.au or phone 08 6161 7779.

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