As we welcome new four-legged friends into our families, we want them to be the happiest and healthiest they can be. That’s why it’s important to ensure your puppy has the perfect balance of food to get them through the day and does not become overweight or underweight.
What if my puppy is overweight?
If your dog is overweight, they have an increased risk of developing physical problems in later life such as arthritis, joint damage and joint pain. These conditions can stop your dog exercising or playing as much as they would like! Obesity in dogs can also lead to diabetes, heart disease and reduced liver function.
What if my puppy is underweight?
This could be due to being underfed or they may be suffering from an underlying illness. It can lead them to become vulnerable to infections, parasites, or nutritional problems.
It is important to be able to tell if your dog is healthy weight.
How to tell if my puppy is a healthy weight?
It can be difficult to establish a healthy weight without consulting a vet as puppies are constantly growing. A vet can give guidance on their ideal weight during their growth stages and depending on their breed. Your puppy will be weighed when you take them for check-ups, when collecting flea and worming treatment, as well as in a Pets at Home store.
However, you don’t have to wait to go to the vets. There are a few signs you can look out for which will guide you:
Overweight: If you cannot see or feel your puppies ribs, or you cannot see a clear waist behind the ribs when looking at your dog from above.
Underweight: If you can clearly see their ribs, vertebra, and pelvic bones, plus you cannot feel any fat on their bones.You may also see a narrow waistline, or muscle loss around the shoulders and thighs. You may need to get hands-on to check as some puppies have very thick fur which hides the ribs.
If you are concerned about your puppies health, you should seek advice from your vet about their weight. You can also come into one of our stores and ask for tips from one of our Pets at Home consultants.
Join the VIP Puppy club for FREE today!
Owning a new puppy is an adventure. That’s why Pets At Home created the VIP Puppy club to give you all the help and support you’ll need. Join the club for more tips and support. It’s free and your first shop purchase comes with a 10{fb151cea4b22b966e472b4793cf5efe9efc0a70a9ee179f9bf7a6facf9304492} discount.
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