Weight question

That does sound heavy for a 13 inch 6 month old.

I have a 2.5 year old who is 14 1/2 inches and weighs 16 pounds (7.27 kg). For my dog and his body structure I don't want to go any higher. About a year ago he weighed as much as 19.3 lbs (8.77 kg) and looked like a log with legs.

As everyone else has said, you can do a quick check for a healthy weight by feeling the ribs under the fur. You should be able to easily count the ribs and feel a thin layer of fat between the skin and the ribs.
 
My Sasha is 13.5" and when we rescued her she was filthy skin and bones and weighed 14 lbs.

Last year's vet visit he put her weight down as "ideal" and she weighed 17.5 lbs. This year he called her "plump" at 21 lbs. She's been stealing Figaro's food some mornings. Angus is chasing her around now, so she should run it off no problem. I want her back down to the 17-17.5 lbs.

It very much depends upon the individual dog's bone and muscle structure to determine the "ideal" weight. From the top you should see a definite "waist" between the ribs and hips. From the side the belly should "tuck up" (hold up fur or look at them when they are wet to get a better idea). When you rub them you should be able to count the ribs without a problem. The hips should feel "meaty" and firm, not squishy (there's where Sasha is carrying her extra weight, she still has a nice waist but she's got a squishy butt now!)
 
granite said:
When you rub them you should be able to count the ribs without a problem. The hips should feel "meaty" and firm, not squishy (there's where Sasha is carrying her extra weight, she still has a nice waist but she's got a squishy butt now!)
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LOL! Sure glad that when I go MY physical, all my doctor does is weigh me! I can't imagine what I'd do if she felt for my squishy butt! :biggrin2::eek2:
 
BarbV said:
LOL! Sure glad that when I go MY physical, all my doctor does is weigh me! I can't imagine what I'd do if she felt for my squishy butt! :biggrin2::eek2:
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Not to mention looking for my waist!!! (I know it was here somewhere....:no:)
 
Wow, that is really overweight.

My 13" female (2yrs old) is 6.4kg (14lbs) and is a good weight and very active and healthy. My 16.75" male weighs 12kg (26lb).

Luckily your pup is young and it will be easier to get the weight off at this age. Definately up the activity levels and cut out the treats. I agree with Ann its best to talk to your vet about a diet for a growing dog.

PS - my male was overweight at 1yr (spent time with my mum who overfed him). At this age the vet said it was okay to do the pumpkin diet and I got 1kg off him in 3mths easily and recently took another 1/2 kg off (with diet food) and am aiming for another 1/2kg now the weather has cooled.
 
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I'm also starting to realise how hard it is to get a sheltie's weight just right!

Miles is also 6.5 months and around 14.5 in height (37 cms or so) and weight is about 6.8-7kg. The Vet thought that was a little over weight still. What she recommended was i put him on an adult kibble in the same range (Royal Canin Mini) because it's lower in calories but you're not losing the nutrients, flavour and you don't have to feed less.

Perhaps you could try that?
 
Pennylane said:
I'm also starting to realise how hard it is to get a sheltie's weight just right!

Miles is also 6.5 months and around 14.5 in height (37 cms or so) and weight is about 6.8-7kg. The Vet thought that was a little over weight still. What she recommended was i put him on an adult kibble in the same range (Royal Canin Mini) because it's lower in calories but you're not losing the nutrients, flavour and you don't have to feed less.

Perhaps you could try that?
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I don't think 7kg (that's about 14-15 lbs) is crazy heavy, even at only 14.5 inches. What you need to do if feel around the dogs ribs....you should be able to feel the ribs and count them without too much difficulty. Also look for a "waistline". Looking down at the dog's back, you should see a definite "tuck" just in front of the dog's rear legs.

If you decide that weight reduction is really required, I'm not sure I would switch to adult food at 6.5 months. I would stick to puppy food, but maybe reduce the quantity some. Some people suggest reducing kibble and adding canned puppy food - more water content.
 
7kg doesnt sound too much to me either. But I guess vets feel the ribs of about 50 dogs a week so would be farely good at judging weight. I always ask my vet to check my dogs weight when we visit.

My dogs have got their winter coats now so Deska in particular looks like fuzz with a little head and little legs sticking out. Can't see any shape or tummy tuck.
 
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