Weight is going to be an important issue for Lady as she gets older otherwise she's going to get serious elbow problems. I've had her on a "diet" for nearly 2 months now and I need to be sent to jail as I've failed completely to get her down to 27kg or thereabouts. Weighed her just now and she's 29kg. Last time I weighed her about a month ago she was 28.5kg. Doh! Her weight shouldn't be going up so I'm clearly feeding her a bit too much still, but I'm just wondering if I'm aiming for too light at 27kg anyway. Looking at her sideways she has the deep chest with a smooth rising arc from the lowest point to where her underneath disappears between her back legs. Looking at her from the top she has a distinct waist just in front of her hips. No ribs visible but easy to feel them when running my hand along her sides. This all sounds ok to me. What do you think? She stands just 21" to the withers so she's quite petite. Maybe I'll see if I can get some photos up so you can see what I mean.
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! The description you give of her appearance (feel but not see ribs, has a waist) makes it sound like she is a very good weight. But 28.5kg for a 21inch high dog seems like more than I'd expect. Obi is 22inches and weighs under 25kg (he is definitely not too skinny). Still, I'd definitely go on feel and look rather than weight for height. You don't want her overly light as she will lose muscle mass and that won't help her support herself properly. If a Lab is carrying too much fat you will be able to grab a roll of flab just above the base of the tail when they sit - another weight check to use.
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! I agree David , your description of a definate waist and feel but not see ribs makes her sound spot on . I wouldnt worry too much about the extra kilo or so . Just measured Sam , he weighs 37 kilos but is 26/27 inches to the withers so its all relevent, if they look good, dont worry
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! David, Hattie measures 25" to the withers and she is 25 kg, no visible ribs but you can certainly feel them. Charlie is 27" to the withers and he is 30 kgs, just visible ribs but that is the Pointer side. I know you feed Lady the same food as I do ours, what quantity to you give her? Helen x
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! She has about 180gm of Burns Alert per day, plus a dentistick, plus half a pigs ear (but not every day) plus treats out on walks and training (small gravy bones broken into 3 pieces - maybe 5 or 6 a day). She also gets bits of apple and some vegetables like bits of broccoli sometimes and maybe a few peas every now and again I think where it may be going horribly wrong though on reflection is we are now looking after our 2 grandchildren 2 days a week (aged 1 & 2) and she's been hoovering up after them at lunchtime and teatime. Just been watching what's been going on! I'll try and post some illustrative photos of her shape later on when I've had her out in the field this evening.
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! I have just looked on the Burns Alert bag and a dog of Lady's weight's 20 - 30 kg daily recommendation is 200g to 300g so you are clearly not over feeding her but as you say maybe your grandchildren are ;D Hattie gets 200g + 1 tin of sardines daily and a chew. Charlie gets 350g + 1 tin of sardines and a chew. Charlie loses weight very easily so we have been advised to keep him on 350g. They both get chicken wings or meaty bones a couple of times a week for their teeth. Good luck. Helen x
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! Interesting about the weights of Burns. She eats more in the winter though. Here's what she looks like. I think a tad plump!
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! Lynne , measure front leg from the top of the shoulder , where it meets the back , to the floor x
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! I think she looks good. She's not a rake and you perhaps wouldn't want any more on her but from that picture definitely not fat. When do labs finish physically maturing? She's three isn't she?
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! Correction - Charlie gets 250g Burns + 1 tin Sardines = 350g total daily (I'm not feeding an Elephant!!). I agree with Barbara, she's lovely but looks Brown today ;D Helen x
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! She's 3yrs 8 months so I guess pretty much mature now. Ok thanks for the opinions and I won't worry too much but I'll aim to get maybe a little bit off her to be on the safe side. I've passed the flattery on to Lady. She's got her smug mug on. ;D
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! jasper approx 10 inch and 24 kg, hes a big guy hes 5 and a half month ;D
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! She is beautiful and looks perfect to me. Also, I spend so much wasted time wondering if I am too fat - surely life is too short, David?? She is gorgeous just the way she is. I know this is anthropomorphic - but I don't think you should spend too much time worrying about Lady's weight. If she hoovers up after the young 'uns - aend them all out into the garden for a quick run around! That'll keep her weight down - AND do the children good, too! ;D
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! Karen your absolutely right, I am on the thin side and I worry endlessly about my weight. Life is definitely too short to worry as long as we and our dogs are healthy and happy that's all we can ask for. There's no doubt Lady is a beautiful girl. Helen xx
Re: Keeping her weight steady - aaargh! Hi David, In IMO Lady looks in great shape and not overweight. I do however differ from some other posters in that I think you are right to give it some thought as weight control is so important in a dog with joint problems. The rest of this is not in reference to Lady, but the whole food/exercise balance is an interesting one. There is currently a growing and worrying increase in obesity in companion animals throughout the western world. Dogs everywhere are becoming subject to the diseases that accompany obesity such as diabetes and heart problems. As we become larger, so are our dogs. My own thoughts are that exercise of the kind most family pets are exposed to, even enthusiastic walkers, is unfortunately not very effective at keeping dogs in shape. In addition, I suspect that an increase in exercise could potentially make things worse for a dog with joint problems, that is carrying too much weight. The only dogs I see that are really affected by exercise, are working dogs that are exercising for several (5 or more) hours a day on several days a week during the shooting season. In these dogs, excess food may just be worked off by exercise, but in most dogs, food control is in my view, the primary key to keeping a dog at a healthy weight. I think Lady is lucky that you are concious of her waistline and will benefit from your efforts to keep her slim. Keep resisting those pleading eyes! ;D Pippa
