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Post by Missy on Oct 25, 2011 4:31:45 GMT
How can I tell when Lion is at the right body condition? A few months ago we noticed he was very bony (I could feel all of his ribs and spine) so I upped his food a bit. Now I have to press a little bit to feel his front ribs... Is that normal? His abdomen still tucks up and I can feel his spine still if I run my hand along his back.
He eats about 1/4 scoop ZP in the morning or 1 S&C patty and about 2 oz of meat at night time.
I would have the vet check his body condition, but he doesn't need a checkup until early next year and I don't think I should take him in for a visit just for that.
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Post by Kristi on Oct 25, 2011 5:04:21 GMT
I like to keep my dogs fairly thin. Some dogs have more prominent spines, you will see it more on dogs without perfectly level toplines, just because of how they stand. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much if you can feel/see a spine a bit...the ribs are the best place to judge...you should be able to feel the individual ribs without pressing too hard I think. Bryco is my tough one he goes from thin to fat in an ounce or two, drives me nuts...I have found the best way to judge the LC though is when they are wet, their shape should go in slightly at the waist when looking down from the top.
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Post by Kristi on Oct 25, 2011 5:05:46 GMT
I forgot, too...I don't think the 'tuck' is a great indicator in chis of appropriate weight because some chis are built sorta like whippets/italian greyhounds...Oakley is like this, she can be quite chunky and yet have a very pronounced tuck up at the waist...I have to judge her totally by the ribs.
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Post by Sarah on Oct 25, 2011 6:48:30 GMT
Lol daisy is so hard to judge I have to totally soak her because she has so much coat. Lion will also be filling out now so I would think it'd change. U want a light covering on hus ribs
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Post by brodysmom on Oct 25, 2011 7:23:48 GMT
I agree with Sarah and Kristi. Keep him on the thinner side. Just a thin covering over his ribs. You shouldn't have to push to feel ribs. They should be easily felt when you rub your hands over him. But you don't want him feeling like a washboard either with pelvis and spine prominent. Some people will say to make a fist with one hand. Feel over the top of your knuckles with the other hand. That's what ribs should feel like, although that can put them on the thinner side.
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Post by Hollie on Oct 25, 2011 13:05:29 GMT
How old is he? My boys went though a really lanky bony looking stage while they were growing despite eating TONS, cause their skeletal growth takes up alot of energy. When they hit 1 year I had to reduce the ammount they ate cause they don't need as much anymore now they arent growing and will start to look chunky.
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Post by brodysmom on Oct 25, 2011 18:21:09 GMT
Here's a chart that has pictures. Sometimes it helps to see different weights and how they differ.  |
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Post by Missy on Oct 25, 2011 18:28:58 GMT
Thanks everyone! He isn't fat but I think he may be getting a bit too much food because I don't see his waist very well from above. I will cut him back a teeny bit and see how he does.
He is just over a year old, so I am guessing he is done growing and doesn't need as much food.
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