How to Tell If Dogs Are Underweight
Careful monitoring of your dog's weight is one of the best ways to ensure a long, healthy life for your best friend. Of course, underweight for one dog is not underweight for another. A 6 month old Dachshund that weighs 6 lbs. is within the healthy weight range, but a 6 month old English Bulldog that only weighs 6 lbs. is in serious trouble.
Instructions
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Care For Your Dog
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Research breed standards for your dog. The American Kennel Club is a great resource for this sort of information. Their website can be found in the resources section.
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Weigh your dog to determine if they meet the weight standards of their breed. If they are not yet full grown, take this into account when looking at the weight standards. Also, keep in mind that small breed dogs like chihuahuas will reach their mature weight much sooner than large breed dogs like rottweilers or great danes.
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Learn to recognize the signs of an underweight dog. The AKC and Discovery.com agree that the best way to tell if a dog is underweight it to check the rib area. You should be able to feel the outline of your dog's ribs, but there should be some "padding" in there. If ribs are all you feel and they are very "prominent", your dog is probably underweight and should be seen immediately by a vet.
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Tips & Warnings
To be a responsible pet owner, you should always monitor your dog for signs of health and wellness. You know them better than anyone else. However, being a responsible pet owner also means getting your dog regular vet care. If you have any questions about your dog's health, see your vet immediately.
