Determining Your Dogs Weight

Did you know that as of 2022, 59% of dogs in the United States have been classified as overweight or obese?   And that number continues to rise each year.  This was reported in the State of Pet Obesity Report for 2022.  Overweight dogs and Obese dogs run the risk of getting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, orthopedic disease, and other medical conditions or metabolic disorders.  

In a survey conducted by The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, they found that only 49% of respondents stated that their veterinarian discussed their pet's ideal and/or healthy weight.  Your veterinarian should be helping you in determining your dog's weight, as well as understanding your dog's weight.

One of the biggest issues is that pet owners are not educated on what to look for when assessing their dog's weight.  Every dog is different and requires a different weight range in order to live a happy and healthy life.  Two dogs of the same breed and sex are not always going to have the same ideal weight.

In understanding your dog's ideal weight, it first begins with getting their body to the correct body composition.  If you have a working dog breed, an active dog, or like doing active things with your dog, then you want your dog to fall under the Active Dog body composition.  All other dogs should fall under the Ideal Dog Weight composition.  Once you get your dog to the desired body composition, then you would weigh your dog, and that is going to be their true weight.  Once you have this number, for the average size dog, you do not want to let your dog gain or lose 3 lbs from that weight (this number is going to differ for small and giant breed dogs).  Also, 5lbs on a human body is no big deal, but 5lbs to a dog's body can be a huge deal.  This is why you want to routinely check your dog's body weight.  Being aware and proactive of your dogs weight will help them to live healthier and longer lives.  (Always consult your veterinarian about any health issues or concerns you have.)

Remember that there are a number of factors that also play into your dog's weight.  Here are those factor:

• DIET - Not knowing your dog's weight can lead to overfeeding.  Another factor on diet is the correct measuring size.  The feeding suggestions on dog food labels are based upon a level scoop  from a US measuring cup, so 1 cup or 8oz.  Some owners tend to give their dogs a heaping scoop instead of a level scoop which can also lead to overfeeding.

• EXERCISE - Both dogs and humans need exercise in order to keep our bones and muscles strong.  Lack of exercise can cause muscle loss, bone density loss, and can lead to weight gain.  This is another area in which owners can use more training and education in.  Even walking everyday may not be beneficial if not done the proper way.  If you are constantly allowing your dog to stop and sniff things for a period of time, their heart rate will start to drop quickly and you will never get them into their cardio zone for their cardio exercise.  Keeping them moving on their walks will ensure that their heart rate stays up and ensures it getting into the cardio zone.  By the time you are done with the walk, both you and your dog should be tired.  This is just one example.  There are many different ways to exercise your dog.

• GENETICS - Some breeds have been genetically altered over time or sometimes at birth.  These changes are also associated with weight gain and obesity.  These dogs can put a lot of stress on their bodies when trying to do things like agility training.  Conducting low impact (swimming, running in sand, etc.) can help them to exercise without putting any strain on their bodies.  Some dogs may have different food drives or metabolic rates which can also make them more at risk for weight gain and obesity.

• MEDICAL CONDITIONS & MEDICATIONS - Certain medical conditions or medications can also cause weight gain in dogs.