An estimated 56 percent of dogs within the U.S. are overweight or obese.* How does one identify a healthy weight goal for your dog if he’s overweight (or underweight)?
Most people address resources on the web with a mean dog weight or a variety. Because all dogs are different, though, it’s not that straightforward.
Problems with Identifying an “Average” Dog Weight
Since dogs are available such a large amount of different breeds and sizes, it’s impossible to spot a mean weight for all dogs. Weight may additionally depend upon the dog’s sex and whether they’ve been spayed or neutered.
Although many resources provide a mean weight range for various breeds, it’s usually significant. These ranges often don’t take the dog’s sex and other factors into consideration.
For example, a typical weight range you may see for a retriever is 55 to 80 pounds. That’s an enormous range, and most female Labs shouldn’t weigh 80 pounds. they must fall on the lower end of the range.
Weight ranges also don’t account for the numerous mixed breed dogs out there. simply because the standard range for a Lab is 55 to 80 pounds doesn’t mean your Lab mix will or should fall within that range. it'll depend upon the opposite breeds he’s mixed with.
Plus, what if you don’t know the breed make-up of your mixed-breed dog? What then? Most resources enlighten use the dominant breed, but even then, you’re guessing what that's. a mean dog weight or range definitely doesn’t work for mixed breeds.
A Better Solution for Determining Healthy Dog Weight
Rather than going off a mean, which might be grossly inaccurate, we recommend using Body Condition Scoring (BCS). this technique uses physical and visual observations of your dog to assess his current body condition and whether he’s over or underweight.
Your dog’s veterinarian uses this same system to work out whether your dog is over or underweight or healthy. See a way to use BCS here.
What if My Dog is Overweight?
If you’ve used the BCS system or your veterinarian has said your dog is overweight, it’s time to form some changes. Your veterinarian may recommend switching to a weight management pet-food to assist your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
For more tips about dog weight loss, like exercises for your dog, see our article How am i able to Help My Dog Lose Weight?
What if My Dog is Underweight?
Many people spend most time worrying about whether their dog is overweight that they fail to think about their dog may well be underweight.
If your veterinarian says your dog is just too thin, they will recommend a high-calorie pet-food to assist him gain weight. Once he’s at a healthy weight, a weight management formula can help him maintain it long-term.
Although it’s tempting to administer your dog many treats and even people food during this point, it’s important to not overdo it. whether or not your dog is underweight, treats should structure no over 10% of his daily caloric intake. Otherwise he might placed on an excessive amount of fat and not enough muscle.
You should also not overlook exercise during this point, as it’s important for building muscle. Learn more in our a way to Help Your Dog Gain Weight article.
Average Dog Weight could be a Myth
There’s no “average’ because there aren't any average dogs. Each dog is exclusive and their ideal weight will vary supported several factors.
To learn more about dog weight and overall health, explore all our dog health articles. Browse all our weight management foods to search out the correct formula for your dog.
Most people address resources on the web with a mean dog weight or a variety. Because all dogs are different, though, it’s not that straightforward.
Problems with Identifying an “Average” Dog Weight
Since dogs are available such a large amount of different breeds and sizes, it’s impossible to spot a mean weight for all dogs. Weight may additionally depend upon the dog’s sex and whether they’ve been spayed or neutered.
Although many resources provide a mean weight range for various breeds, it’s usually significant. These ranges often don’t take the dog’s sex and other factors into consideration.
For example, a typical weight range you may see for a retriever is 55 to 80 pounds. That’s an enormous range, and most female Labs shouldn’t weigh 80 pounds. they must fall on the lower end of the range.
Weight ranges also don’t account for the numerous mixed breed dogs out there. simply because the standard range for a Lab is 55 to 80 pounds doesn’t mean your Lab mix will or should fall within that range. it'll depend upon the opposite breeds he’s mixed with.
Plus, what if you don’t know the breed make-up of your mixed-breed dog? What then? Most resources enlighten use the dominant breed, but even then, you’re guessing what that's. a mean dog weight or range definitely doesn’t work for mixed breeds.
A Better Solution for Determining Healthy Dog Weight
Rather than going off a mean, which might be grossly inaccurate, we recommend using Body Condition Scoring (BCS). this technique uses physical and visual observations of your dog to assess his current body condition and whether he’s over or underweight.
Your dog’s veterinarian uses this same system to work out whether your dog is over or underweight or healthy. See a way to use BCS here.
What if My Dog is Overweight?
If you’ve used the BCS system or your veterinarian has said your dog is overweight, it’s time to form some changes. Your veterinarian may recommend switching to a weight management pet-food to assist your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
For more tips about dog weight loss, like exercises for your dog, see our article How am i able to Help My Dog Lose Weight?
What if My Dog is Underweight?
Many people spend most time worrying about whether their dog is overweight that they fail to think about their dog may well be underweight.
If your veterinarian says your dog is just too thin, they will recommend a high-calorie pet-food to assist him gain weight. Once he’s at a healthy weight, a weight management formula can help him maintain it long-term.
Although it’s tempting to administer your dog many treats and even people food during this point, it’s important to not overdo it. whether or not your dog is underweight, treats should structure no over 10% of his daily caloric intake. Otherwise he might placed on an excessive amount of fat and not enough muscle.
You should also not overlook exercise during this point, as it’s important for building muscle. Learn more in our a way to Help Your Dog Gain Weight article.
Average Dog Weight could be a Myth
There’s no “average’ because there aren't any average dogs. Each dog is exclusive and their ideal weight will vary supported several factors.
To learn more about dog weight and overall health, explore all our dog health articles. Browse all our weight management foods to search out the correct formula for your dog.
0 Comments