When you own a dog, it is important to do whatever you can to promote a healthy lifestyle for your pet, including in his weight. Many Labrador health problems come down to Labrador retriever weight problems. Therefore, it is up to you to learn how to identify when your dog is overweight and what you can do to help him get down to a healthier weight to restore your Labrador retriever to health.
Visual Checks
While not a fool-proof method, you can identify Labrador retriever weight by looking at his body. Looking at your dog from several angles, including from the side and the top, can show you if his shape is different than it should be. Once you have taken a good look at your dog, you can search for Labrador retriever health charts online that show you what a Labrador should look like from these angles. Remember, this is not a fool-proof method and should not be used alone.
Feel for the Ribs
Another way to identify a weight problem that can lead to Labrador health problems is to feel the dog with your hands. Slide your hands
along the dog’s rib cage on either side. If your Labrador retriever weight is too low, you will be able to feel his ribs sharply underneath your hands. A Labrador with a suitable weight will allow you to feel the ribs, but they will be beneath the muscles and fat, not sticking out. The belly should tuck up. If your dog is overweight, you will not be able to feel the ribs at all. His belly will also hang down, putting him at risk for poor Labrador retriever health.
Diet
If you have identified Labrador retriever weight problems in your dog, a trip to the vet is in order to find out what you can do to help him lose weight and resume his Labrador retriever health. When you are able to reduce the weight of your Lab, you will decrease the chances of developing Labrador health problems later down the line. When it comes to the diet, it is important to talk to a veterinarian to find out the best method for your particular dog. Some vets will recommend a high-protein food that is high in quality and served in smaller meals. Others will suggest a low-calorie, high-density food fed at regular intervals. Always ask exactly how much you should be feeding your Labrador. Overweight dogs will often eat more than they should if they are allowed to.
Exercise
Just as in people, exercise is an important element for losing Labrador retriever weight. Taking your dog for daily walks can be an important part of the process, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you do. Spend some time in the backyard with your dog, playing fetch and simply running around together. If you don’t have a yard or it isn’t safe for your pet, improve his Labrador retriever health by taking him to the dog park to run free and enjoy some time with his canine friends. The more exercise you can offer your Lab, the more likely he is to reach a healthier Labrador retriever weight.
Regular Vet Checks
Even after you have met with your vet to go over the preferred diet to avoid Labrador health problems due to being overweight, you will still need to make several more visits to the vet. The important thing is to make sure your Lab is losing weight to begin with. If he isn’t, you will need to make more adjustments to his diet and potentially increase the exercise he gets. The vet will be able to monitor how much weight he is or isn’t losing and give you suggestions for helping him reach a healthier weight.
In America, as much as 50 percent of the dog population is overweight. If you suspect you have a Labrador retriever weight problem on your hands, you need to check with your eyes and hands yourself. If you confirm a problem, a visit to the vet is in order to determine the right plan of diet and exercise to restore your pet to proper Labrador retriever health and decrease his odds of health problems.
