Does this collar make me look fat?
In a recent interview for my forthcoming book, Dieting with my Dog, I was asked if had I realized Kelly was overweight before my vet mentioned it to me. The startling answer is no. One reason I gave (to which BBC WM radio host Mollie Green replied “Aww, that’s no excuse!”) is that Kelly is very furry. It is difficult to know what is hiding under there! It is kind of like when we wear loose clothing to try to hide our shape. But the truth is, I really hadn’t evaluated my dog objectively.
As you may know, we’re in the midst of the exciting Koly and Kelly’s K9Kamp, committed to getting fit with your dog. (And, keep reading to the end to learn where you can win even more prizes! How about a cool collar and tag?) So I thought, the first step is determining whether you dog may need to lose a few pounds or not. Here are some tips how to tell if your dog is too heavy:
1. Run your hands over your dog’s sides. You should be able to easily feel the ribs.
2. Take a look from above. You should be able to see a defined “waist” below the ribs.
3. Next, take a look from the side, with your dog standing. You should see a “tuck” in the area of the tummy (behind the ribs).
If your dog is furry like Kelly, it may be more difficult to evaluate her true shape. Your veterinarian can quickly help assess your dog. You can also check out this Body Condition evaluation chart.
And of course, there’s always the old, reliable bathroom scale. Check out these adorable dogs, none too thrilled about getting weighed.
And if you think these pooches are cute, you’ll find more courageous canines tolerating the scale in Dieting with my Dog Book Trailer, Part One!
Okay, now how about a great prize? Check out Dieting with my Dog on Facebook for a chance to win a MEDIUM Buzzin’ Around Fido’s Fashion collar, with a quick release buckle and a tag from Silver Paw Pets! And check out Kol’s Notes on Facebook for another chance to win. Still want more prizes? Check out Koly and Kelly’s K9Kamp Walk It Off challenge! It’s easy and fun! And lots of cool prizes!
