anne3149 Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 I noticed in another thread that someone mentioned they had Rottweilers that weighed between 55Kg and 70Kg and also a GSD puppy at 49Kg. That is enormous. A fully grown Rott should weigh only 42-48Kg maximum and a GSD 39-42kg. (sorry I don't can't convert this into pounds) In addition I notice a pic on this site of a hugely overweight Rottweiler (on a chain, no less) I just don't understand how people can allow their dogs to get into this condition. To me it constitutes neglect of the dogs welfare. The dogs must be very uncomfortable carrying all that weight around. My vet says that anyone who allows their dog to become obese is putting a death sentence on the dog and I tend to agree with her. I also see obesity as being a perfect recipe for arthritis as the dog ages. I know it can be difficult to keep the weight in check but sensible feeding and a proper exercise regime will do it every time. My Rottweilers weigh 42-43Kg and my GSD is 39-40Kg. The opinion of others would be appreciated. Quote
Malamum Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 I have an 18 month old alaskan malamute who weighs 50kg(110lbs). While not what I call obese he is a little chubby and could do with loosing a few kilo's. Or better yet I would pefer to turn his puppy fat to muscle. I agree that it's best to keep dogs lean and tend to be more worried about my dogs weight than my own. I guess people just worry about their dogs being hungry. I really don't feed my dog that much (sometimes looking at the amount in his bowl I worry that it's too little) and he gets walked for an hour every day and sometimes more on the weekends but still he has bits of excess fat. However as soon as it hits winter here he will be getting much more exercise as I will start running and bike riding with him. I haven't been able to do this with him yet as I haven't wanted to put strain on his hips and joints till at least 18 months plus it's way too hot in summer. Quote
imported_Cassie Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 I agree with you...I see alot of over weight dogs at the vet clinic I work at...and at the grooming/boarding shop. It seems to be the norm for our society...and when people see a dog which is the correct weight they usually think its starving to death!!! :lol: One thing to keep in mind...for alot of breeds there are certain weight standards...this is by no means written in stone. You can certainly have over sized Rotties and Shepherds which weigh alot but are still perfectly porportioned. To tell if your dog is the coorect weight; there should be a layer of subcutaneous fat over the ribs, thick enough to provide some padding and insulation, but not too thick. You should be able to feel the ribs as individual structures. Over weight dogs are subject to alot of diseases including hypothyroidism, diabetes, and the extra weight is very hard on the joints. I find that about 75% of the dogs we have come in for grooming are much too over weight...I think you would need a detective to find ribs in the dog...some of them remind me of little round balls :lol: It's called..."killing them with kindness" Quote
DogPaddle Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 Some guy who visits me keeps saying my dogs are too thin. Kavik is a little lean but he is 20 inches and 40 lbs - which is within breed standereds. Zaphod is a lab cross and I am pleased that he still has a tuck at his tummy and a visable waist. My neighbours hasselled me over their weight as well. At least my vet knows better. Both my dogs a very athletic and healthy so I guess I'll just have to deal with the unknowlegables derision. Quote
courtnek Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 people who dont know any better accuse me of starving my Foxhound too.. they are meant to be lean, for the hunt..and she was field trialed. They should not get fat, because their legs are very skinny and could not handle excess weight.. same as with greyhounds and other hunting dogs...they need to be lean..the fact that they are no longer hunting is irrelevant. they need to stay thin for good health... Quote
bk_blue Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 DP- I so know how you feel- working dogs such as BCs are meant to be lean- how else would they be able to run around all day herding sheep? I think there needs to be as big a campaign on canine obesity as there is on human obesity. It's a huge problem. Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted February 20, 2004 Posted February 20, 2004 people tell me all the time that roxy needs to eat more. they think the big, overweight pits are the standard. Quote
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