How can owners tell what body condition class their dog falls into (underfed, ideal or overfed)?
A graphic of the 3 general body condition categories appears on the back of all PURINA dog food packages under the PURINA Life Plan , making it easy for owners to compare their dog's body condition to the illustrations of an underfed, ideal and overfed dog:
Underfed: Ribs are highly visible.
Perfect Body Condition: Can feel and see outline of ribs. Dog has a waist when seen from above. Belly is tucked up when seen from the side.
Overfed: Dog has no waistline when watched from above. Belly is oval when viewed from the side.
Why is it important to know your dog's body condition?
Obesity is a serious concern for dogs that can lead to or aggravate certain health conditions. Sustaining an complete body condition reduces the likelihood that your dog will get weight-related conditions that can be bad and even life threatening. A lean or perfect body condition also supports healthy joints and assists sustain good blood sugar levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Overall, it helps improve your dog's general health and well-being throughout his life.
How do you ensure a dog's body condition?
Veterinarians utilise the PURINA Body Condition System, a scientifically validated standard produced by PURINA scientists that evaluates a pet's body physique on a nine-point scale. Owners should consult their veterinarian first to assure their dog's body condition on this scale, and to learn how to evaluate it at home. Mostly, there are two methods owners can use to determine a dog's body status at home:
Carry a visual evaluation using the PURINA Life Plan version of the PURINA Body Condition System that groups a dog's body condition into three common categories: underfed, ideal and overfed
Perform a Purina Rib Check
What is the PURINA Rib Check?
The PURINA Rib Check is a fast and simple tool produced by PURINA to help owners and veterinarians assess whether or not a dog is carrying extra weight. There are 3 components to conducting a Rib Check:
1. Rib Check
Can you feel your dog's ribs? It's a instant and easy way to distinguish if your dog is having a few additional pounds. Just place both of your thumbs on your dog's spine and spread both hands across his rib cage. If you can't feel the ribs easily, your dog may require to lose weight.
2. Profile Check
Test your dog's profile. The abdomen should look more or less "tucked up" behind the rib cage.
3. Overhead Check
While your dog is standing, stand directly over him and look down. You should see a clearly-defined waist behind the ribs. Most dogs at a sound weight should sustain an hourglass figure.
When should owners starting assessing their dog's body condition?
Owners should evaluate their puppy's body status right from the starting to positively impact their dog's health long-term. Because puppies are growing at an extraordinary rate, they need a higher caloric intake than the standard adult dog. But if a puppy's portions aren't controlled, such a high-calorie diet can result to extra weight early in life that can put him on the path to the obesity. On A Regular Basis check your dog's body condition with your veterinarian or by doing the PURINA Rib Check and comparing your dog to the PURINA Life Plan graphic on packaging.
How can you help your dog accomplish and/or maintain an ideal body condition?
Consult your veterinarian to learn whether your dog is maintaining the ideal weight and body condition for his size, age and breed. Then commit yourself to providing your dog with the proper diet and regular exercise, which are the healthiest ways to maintain mint body condition. To make it easier for owners to feed to ideal body condition from puppyhood over the older years, PURINA has developed the PURINA Life Plan - a extensive approach employing particular breed size and lifestage guidelines, the PURINA Body Condition System and feeding instructions to its packaging.
