Have you ever wondered if your dog or puppy is the right weight?Maintaining a proper weight is very important for your dog.It is your responsibility to keep an eye on your dog's weight.There are a number of ways to know if your dog is overweight or underfed.
Step 1: Put the dog in the car.
You can weigh your dog with a bathroom scale if you can comfortably lift it.Pick your dog up in your arms and hold it tightly so that it doesn't wiggle around or fall to the ground.If you were touching your dog with your hands, hold it close to the center of your body.If you have health restrictions that prevent you from lifting things, this is not a good idea.
Step 2: On the scale, step onto a scale.
The scale will register the weight if you wait a few moments.To record the weight it displays, look down and see the number.The total weight of you and your dog is shown.Keeping a tight grasp on your dog is important.If your pup wiggles in your arms, you don't want to accidentally drop it.
Step 3: If you don't have the dog, you need to weigh yourself.
Take your dog off the scale and walk by yourself.Stand alone on the scale and record your weight.Give the dog a treat to encourage him to stay still.
Step 4: Subtract your weight from the first measurement.
Take the total weight and subtract your individual weight.Your dog's weight is the answer.If the total weight of you and your dog is 215 pounds, you will perform the equation: 215 minus 187.The dog's weight is 28 pounds.
Step 5: If you compare this to the ideal weight, it will be different.
The veterinarians should be able to tell you the target weight for your dog.You can compare your dog's breed standards to those published on the American or British Kennel Club websites.The typical weight range for males and females of that breed will be given by these standards.These standards are the average for show quality dogs, and that tall or short dogs may not fall into these weight ranges.If your dog is a mix of two breeds with the same ideal weight, aim for the general range.The ideal weights of the breeds that the dog looks most similar to in size and appearance are what you should consider if your dog is a mix.
Step 6: You can build a platform over your home scale.
If your dog is too heavy for you to pick up, you can still use a home scale.Make your own platform from plywood, rigid foam, or plastic by placing a large container on the scale.If you want to read the display, cut out a window and place this so the scale supports the platform.You can still use a home scale to weigh your dog.If you follow these steps, you can have the dog sit down on the platform.The scale has a weight displayed on it.The dog is on the platform.The platform's weight should be recorded alone.The platform's weight should be subtracted from the first measurement.The weight of your dog is shown here.
Step 7: Take your dog to the bus station.
You can take your dog to the bus station if you don't have a scale at home.Greyhound is an appropriate choice if you want to take your dog to a long-distance bus travel station.You may need to talk to the employee at the counter about the scales at these stations.Bring a small coffee gift card or similar token of appreciation for the favor.
Step 8: The dog needs to be seen by a doctor.
Ask the receptionist or vet tech if you can use the scale at the office.You might be able to use the scale without an appointment if you find a nice employee.If your vet is a stickler for following the rules, you may need to schedule an appointment with him to find out your dog's official weight.
Step 9: Find the ideal weight of your dog.
If you want the best results, you should have a vet examine your dog and recommend a goal weight.You can find weight recommendations for each breed online, but they are not always accurate for mixed breed dogs.Ask your vet if they have any recommendations for diet and exercise for your dog.
Step 10: Learn about your breed's body type.
Hunting dogs tend to be thin.Rottweilers, bull dogs, and Labradors are some of the breeds that look stocky.Some dogs are tall and skinny.They are large and stocky.Most recommendations for monitoring a dog's weight are based on dogs with different body types.If you know your dog breed's normal body shape, you'll be able to judge more accurately.
Step 11: The rib cage is something you should look for.
A dog at the correct weight should not have any ribs showing when it is standing straight, but some ribs will show when the dog is curled up.When the dog is standing straight, you can see its ribs.The dog is likely overweight if you can't see its ribs.This can be hard to judge for some breeds, such as English bulldogs and whippets.
Step 12: Feel the fat on the ribs.
When palpating the rib cage gently with your fingers, you should be able to feel the ribs under the skin.Your dog is overweight if you can't feel its ribs.The dog is probably overweight if you can easily feel the ribs.Pressing lightly will allow you to feel the top of the breastbone.
Step 13: Your dog's figure is important to you.
Stand behind your dog while he is standing up.As you move down the dog's back, the width should be narrowed from the shoulders and rib cage.You should be able to see the waist without difficulty.Your dog is overweight if you can't see the waist.Take the dog to the vet if the hip bones are not normal.This may be a sign of a health problem.
Step 14: It is a good idea to use caution when judging by belly size.
When viewed from the side, the abdomen should be slightly higher than the rib cage for dogs under seven years old.Before performing a visual evaluation on a dog, it is advisable to consult breed standards and view lots of pictures.As dogs age, their abdominal muscles weaken, giving them a "potbelly" that may confuse you about their weight.When the dog is lying on her side, the stomach should be with her rib cage.After a meal, the dog's belly will look bigger.