Introduction: Understanding the Risk of Obesity in Portuguese Water Dogs
Like humans, obesity is a growing problem among pets, including Portuguese Water Dogs. Obesity can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. It is essential to keep your Portuguese Water Dog at a healthy weight to maintain their overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss several ways to prevent your dog from becoming overweight.
Assessing Your Dog’s Weight: Tips and Tricks
The first step in preventing obesity in your Portuguese Water Dog is to assess their current weight. You can do this by observing your dog’s body shape and feeling their ribs. Your dog should have a waistline between their ribcage and hips, and you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard. If you cannot feel their ribs, or if they have a rounded belly, your dog may be overweight. Another way to assess your dog’s weight is to use a body condition score chart, which your veterinarian can provide. This chart will help you determine if your dog is underweight, at an ideal weight, or overweight.