All my life I thought I knew what healthy weight was for my dogs; I was wrong. Much good science has gone into this subject in the last decade and my thinking has changed for the better. All pure breeds have size/weight charts that supposedly tell you what weight is OK but that’s just per the breed standard and has little to do with what is actually the proper healthy weight for your individual fur baby. Every dog is different so there is no “standard” weight that is OK. Read published charts if you like but then go forth and care for your pet as an individual. It is really not any different if your dog is a mixed breed there are just no charts to distract you.
It’s on you as the loving pet owner to assure your pet stays at a healthy weight. Let’s be honest here: Unlike humans, domestic dogs depend entirely on YOU for food and to a large extent; exercise. If your dog is overweight it is completely on YOU. That said, it’s not that hard to keep your pet at a healthy weight; all it takes is a little care and paying attention. There is a wealth of information on the web on proper feeding and exercise of pets so read, research, talk to your vet, have fun and work a plan.
Longer, Healthier Life
Studies have recently has shown that dogs that maintain a healthier weight will live on average nearly 2 years longer compared to overweight dogs; this is now considered statistical fact. The studies have also shown good ways to determine how to tell what overweight actually looks like. For Golden Retrievers (and all other large breeds) the most common effect is rapid worsening of crippling and painful hip displasia but being overweight can lead to all sorts of problems.
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Worsen and accelerate crippling hip displasia
- Arthritis
- Lethargy
- more
If kept at a healthy weight your dog will also be more active, happier and much more fun to be around.
How Can I Know What Healthy Weight Is?
You should generally ignore the specifics of weight charts provided for most breeds as it relates to their health; every dog is different. It is however simple to determine proper weight with a little observation and your hands.
Your dog should have a waistline that is not too pronounced when viewed from above. If you have a really furry breed, you may need to check this with your hands.
Your dog should have a belly that is not too large. This is easy to feel from the side or with your hands. it should slope gently upwards to the rear of the dog.
The dog’s ribs should be fairly easy to feel with your hands without a substantial fat covering. With most breeds, you will need to check this with your hands.
There are a number of healthy weight graphics out on the web and most all are essentially the same. Here is one for your convenience but there are many others.
References and Some Really Good Reading
Global Pet Obesity Initiative Position Statement (draft)
7 Feeding Tipes To Keep Your Dog at a healthy Weight (I especially like the “No Table Scraps” bit)
How much exercise does your Golden need?
About the author.
Bryan Curry loves all dogs in general, especially Golden Retrievers. He has had dogs for all but 6 months of his long life and all have lived happy and much longer than average lives. Bryan and his wife Terri are co-owners of Texas TLC Goldens; a small responsible breeder producing high quality Golden Retriever puppies.