{"id":5403,"date":"2019-12-12T08:44:59","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T08:44:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=5403"},"modified":"2022-03-30T11:54:08","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T10:54:08","slug":"managing-your-dogs-weight-and-how-to-keep-it-under-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/managing-your-dogs-weight-and-how-to-keep-it-under-control\/","title":{"rendered":"All about: dog weight management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight – this will mean they’re happier and healthier in the long run – but sometimes it can be tough! Food-motivated dogs can quickly pile on the pounds, while fussy eaters can sometimes be leaner than they should be. And as dog obesity rises, it\u2019s important we get our dog’s weight under control. So here\u2019s our top tips for keeping your dog at a healthy weight – from puppyhood to their senior years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is dog weight management important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A recent study<\/a> from the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare\u2019s Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, revealed the lifespan for overweight dogs is 2.5 years shorter than dogs with a healthy body weight. That\u2019s because dogs with extra weight can have more health problems later in life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excess weight puts pressure on the joints which can lead to arthritis, a painful degenerative joint condition. Overweight dogs can also experience mobility issues. And since they can\u2019t get around as easily as they used to, their quality and enjoyment of life can suffer. Weight gain can also cause heart disease and breathing problems in dogs, which can be fatal if left untreated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too much weight can predispose dogs to a whole host of other issues like diabetes, certain cancers, kidney disease, bladder stones and pancreatitis. Pups that are overweight when young are more likely to become overweight adults. And just like humans, shifting the weight in later years can be that much harder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs at a healthy weight are much less likely to suffer from these health conditions and complications in later years. Which is why it\u2019s important to get weight management under control to ensure your pooch lives a long and healthy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to tell if your dog is a healthy weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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All breeds have a healthy weight range and you can check if your dog is overweight simply by reading the number on the scales. But vets also have a body condition score (BCS) test they use to check if your dog is ideal, over or underweight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s based on a 9-point scale (some vets use a 5-point scale) and assesses 3 key areas \u2013 your pup\u2019s ribs, tummy and waist. The vet will run their hands over your dog\u2019s body, paying attention to the key areas to give your dog their score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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