Havanese Forum banner

Weight Study

2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  Marni 
#1 ·
  • Like
Reactions: krandall
#3 ·
Way too many fat dogs, and too many owners who refuse to acknowledge their dogs are overweight. "He's big boned. It's all muscle". Ribs should ALWAYS be palpable with minimal pressure, their should be a pinch in at the waist, and most breeds will also have a tuck up (though length of loin and spring of rib also affects that). Even if your dog truly is big boned or well muscle (here's a hint...muscle doesn't jiggle like fat does ;) ), those things should be present.

I have been very open about the fact that I'm not happy with Nino's weight, but I would MUCH rather an otherwise healthy dog be underweight like he is than overweight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: krandall
#4 ·
That is a good article. Thank you. I've seen many fat, fat dogs and cats. I would assume that cat's lives would be shortened too if they were overweight. I've always strived to keep Willow, and my prior dog Foxy, at the appropriate weight. It was more challenging with the corgi because corgis are notoriously foodaholics. Willow likes food too but is a little pickier in her likes. The article is an eye opener though. In the Yorki, the lifespan is shortened by about 15%!
 
#5 ·
I've always been very careful with my dogs' weight. I want them around as long as possible! I am constantly checking Perry - though with the small dogs it's so important when during the day you check them :) He always feels chubby right after dinner/ before he's pooped! I always make sure I run my hands along his ribs/ over his sides in the morning after the morning pottying/ before breakfast to get the best gauge of how is weight is. If it seems to be going down a bit I will up his food a little, if it's going up a little, I will cut a little out of his meals to regulate it or reduce how often he gets his himalayan chew, etc. That way he doesn't even notice the little bit I change - but if he gained too much then it would have to be a more drastic diet change which he'd hate.
 
#7 ·
I also bought a baby scale, and I weigh them all at least once a month, so I don't have to try to "remember" what they felt like the last time...I have hard numbers to go by.
 
#6 ·
My dogs seem to need more food in winter. They are typically more active in cold weather and I think they may burn more calories just to stay warm. When spring comes I reduce their rations. There is no way I could free feed my Havanese or I would have the world’s first 40 pound Havanese!
 
#10 ·
My little Zoey is wasp waisted at seven plus pounds. The vet compliments me on her fitness, and then gives me lowered lids over her not being spayed. Well, sorry, but that is a personal decision concerning my beloved pet's health. I would no more breed a tiny bitch than I would one with temperament issues (Zoey growls and was flunked out of one of the Pup Play Francises). She is a delightful pet for me, and I want her to live as long and active life as possible.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top