Is your dog healthy?

Is your dog healthy? - By: Purina

What is a dog’s body condition?
Body circumstance denotes to the evaluation of a dog’s figure as one indicator of his general health and well-being.

How can owners tell what body condition category their dog falls into (underfed, ideal or overfed)?
A graphic of the 3 standard body condition categories appears on the back of all PURINA dog food packages under the PURINA Life Plan , making it simple for owners to compare their dog’s body condition to the illustrations of an underfed, perfect 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. Abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the lateral.
Overfed: Dog has no waistline when watched from above. Stomach is oval when watched from the side.

Why is it fundamental to know your dog’s body condition?
Obesity is a serious concern for dogs that can result to or aggravate certain health conditions. Keeping an ideal body condition shortens the likelihood that your dog will develop weight-related conditions that can be painful and even life threatening. A slim or ideal body condition also holds healthy joints and helps sustain healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Overall, it assists improve your dog’s overall 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 instrument developed by PURINA to help owners and veterinarians evaluate whether or not a dog is having additional weight. There are three components to conducting a Rib Check:
1. Rib Check
Can you feel your dog’s ribs? It’s a fast and simple way to tell if your dog is having a few additional pounds. Simply set both of your thumbs on your dog’s backbone 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 appear somewhat “tucked up” behind the rib cage.
3. Overhead Check
While your dog is standing, stand directly over him and look down. You should find a clearly-defined waist behind the ribs. Nearly all dogs at a healthy weight should have an hourglass figure.

When should owners begin assessing their dog’s body condition?
Owners should assess their puppy’s body circumstance right from the begin to positively impact their dog’s health long-term. Because puppies are growing at an extraordinary rate, they demand a higher caloric intake than the common adult dog. But if a puppy’s portions aren’t controlled, such a high-calorie diet can lead to excess weight early in life that can put him on the path to the obesity. Regularly check your dog’s body condition with your veterinarian or by making 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.

Read more on Caring For Your Dog at
http://www.purina.com.my

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