Things You'll Need:
- Honesty
- Unclouded Opinion
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Step 1
The hour glass figure is modified when looking at a dog. A dog shouldn't look like a overstuffed sausage either. Finding your dogs prime weight is not black or white. What breed is your dog? Male or Female? Neutered or Spayed? Puppy, Teen, Adult, or Senior? These are all the Questions to start with.
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Step 2
Size: Teacup 5 lbs or less. Toy: 10 - 5 lbs. Miniature: 1/2 the size of normal. Standard: typical weight for the Breed. You can refer to www.akc.org for breed specifications.
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Step 3
The rib cage on a dog can be felt with a hand. When looking for it though should not be able to tell each rib apart. Skin should roll smoothly over the dog except in those dog breeds that have loose skin folds. On dogs that have folds see if there are sores in the folds. If so see a vet and most likely this pet is a bit to heavy.
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Step 4
If you dog has a turkey neck there is a chance that a few extra pounds are on the dog.
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Step 5
Belly. Does your dog have a belly bulge? Does the belly move back and forth as the dog walks? These dogs are overweight. Even the thicker dogs like a Bulldog have a large girth but the belly does not swing from side to side if at the appropriate weight. A little pouch may develop as a dog get old but it should still not be able to be seen when the dog is walking around. Remember gravity is working on all creatures.
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Step 6
How to reduce the pounds - Many ways. Portion control - lower calorie foods, exercise, and leave the human food to the humans. Check with a trained professional to get the best method for you and your pet.
