Tails from the Crate – Scaling The Scales
Let’s face it: our dogs don’t come with owner’s manuals or handy dashboard warnings. Among the vast sea of information online, surprisingly little focuses on overweight dogs. Yet, as the number of chubby chewers waddling through dog parks grows dramatically, it’s clear there are diverse factors contributing to this trend. Whether it’s compensating for long work hours with too many treats or simply not knowing how to monitor their weight, many of us unintentionally tip the scales—literally.
But fear not! This article is your go-to guide to scaling the scales (pun intended) and ensuring your furry friend stays fit and fabulous. As you’ve probably already guessed, regular weigh-ins are a key factor in the fight against obesity in dogs.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about monitoring your dog’s weight is obviously a scale. But how? What scale to choose? Where to find one? These are the questions we’ll answer. You can dive into the full article or jump directly to the topic of interest by clicking the links below.
Choosing the perfect scale for your pup
Make your dog a scale-savvy pet without the drama
When you have more dog than scale
A step-by-step guide to avoid your short-term memory overloads
Wrapping Up: Weigh to Go!
Choosing the perfect scale for your pup
This first section will show you the wonderful world of scales. As you already know, there are several different types of scales. You will notice there is always an inevitable overlap between scales.
The smallest one in the row would be the kitchen scale. It is suitable for measuring the ingredients of your latest culinary creation and very useful for weighing tiny dogs like Chihuahuas or German Pinchers. The increments are mostly 0.05 ounces. If you want to put them in a cup or soup bowl, subtract the bowl’s weight, or you’ll end up with a hefty dog for that size.
The next step on the scale ladder is a type often used to weigh babies and infants. It’s perfect for mini dogs (not toy breeds), and they come with a handy cradle where your pup can take a nap while being scrutinized. Most of them have increments of 0.05 – 0.2 ounces, more than enough considering the size of the dogs measurable in this scale. Even if your fluffy friend’s ideal weight is around 2 pounds, this increment is sufficient, as 0.2 ounces makes a difference of less than 1% in the total weight. That’s good enough for what we need.
You could also consider the next one, which is far more convenient—speaking from experience.
Moving on to the scale used for monitoring humans’ weight, the personal scale. It’s an excellent tool for medium-sized dogs. Conveniently, most of us already have one lingering in one or another corner. Mine has increments of around 0.2 ounces, which makes it suitable for dogs over 10 pounds. In our article called ‘Being Your Dog’s Personal Elevator,’ we elaborate on the use of this type of scale.
For the large and giant dogs, there is also a solution. The scales you see when you go to the vet are probably the only ones suitable. You only want to lift a 160-pound Mastiff to flex your deadlift at the gym or if you’re a fan of herniated discs. Thanks to an anti-slip surface, your pup can just walk on them. They mostly have increments of about 1 pound, which isn’t that much for a pup that heavy.
You can think about buying one yourself, as I did for my Labbies, but most veterinary offices or hospitals won’t mind if you occasionally stroll in together for a meeting with their scale.
All my veterinarian friends will even encourage you to stop by, and if there’s time, they will even have a chat. Please always ask politely if you’re not bothering anyone and stay courteous towards other pet owners who might not be in the same mental space as you are.
Make your dog a scale-savvy pet without the drama.
It might be challenging if your best friend has never seen a scale. For many humans, the scale also has a negative connotation, and it’s about as fun as having a root canal done when you already know the displayed numbers won’t be in your favor.
And when faced with a large dog and a large scale without an anti-slip surface, you have an elephant on ice in pocket format. There are better ways to boost an already insecure quadruped.
When you are one of the lucky ones to enjoy the puppy weeks of a well-bred dog, there is an excellent opportunity for you to get this little wonder used to the monster called scale.
We will tell you another option at the end of the article, but you can find a scale at every veterinary office, and I still have yet to come across a vet who didn’t like to hug puppies or let you use the scale in his waiting room.
Now that you know the importance throughout its life, there are no excuses not to do it anymore. And you already want to monitor your pup’s weight gain anyway, so it’s a win-win situation.
If you are a hero who rescued a dog from a shelter and didn’t have the luxury or knowledge to train it gradually, there are still ways to make it work. You can still familiarize your dog with a scale and ensure they stay on it for an accurate weight measurement.
Start by introducing the scale positively and stress-freely, preferably in a well-known environment. Use treats, your hands, or their favorite toy (we encourage the latter two for obvious reasons) to motivate them to step onto the scale, rewarding them for calm behavior.
Practice this in short, enjoyable sessions to build their confidence. If your dog is hesitant, gradually lead them onto the scale by placing just one paw on it, then more, until they’re comfortable standing still.
For larger dogs or those uneasy with the scale, training commands like “stay” or “sit” can help maintain their position long enough to get a reading. Always use a calm and reassuring tone to make the experience positive.
Never engage in pushing and pulling, especially with large and powerful dogs. It’s a fight you’ll never win, and both will come out losing.
Make your dog a scale-savvy pet without the drama.
For small dogs and medium dogs on the minimalistic side of the spectrum, the above teachings will do for an accurate weighing.
However, getting an accurate weight can be a balancing act when you only have a personal scale and a medium to large dog. The key is ensuring your dog feels secure and stable on a surface more petite than the stance area.
If you have to resort to that method, looking into resources or articles like “Being Your Dog’s Personal Elevator” could be beneficial for more detailed guidance on lifting your dog safely.
Also, an assistant (go full David Copperfield) can be helpful, as a very fluffy or sizeable dog will block your vision on the scale’s display, which is my personal experience.
It’s worth exploring alternative methods or tools to accommodate larger breeds without causing discomfort for you or your dog. Teaching them to stand in a Tupperware box (with or without a single sock) can solve your problem.
If that fails, move closer to a vet, get a scale with a hook, and put your dog in a blanket, or buy a large scale.
A step-by-step guide to avoid your short-term memory overloads
Step 1: Preparation
Grab a scale, your short-term memory or pen and paper, and your dog. Think about the assistant at this point if you have one. And no, another dog won’t be able to help out unless you teach that puppy how to write numbers.
Step 2: Initial Weigh-in
Weigh yourself first and jot down or memorize your weight. Don’t be shy about sharing it with your furry friend. They will never judge. That’s the easy part done!
Step 3: Teamwork Time
Lift your dog and step onto the scale together. It requires some skill, as you’ll need to balance both your weight and your wriggling dog’s weight long enough for the scale to register.
Step 4: Stay Still!
Many scales require standing still for a few seconds to get an accurate reading. It can be challenging, even without a dog, so pat yourself on the back for managing it.
Step 5: Record the Weight
If the scale’s display clears quickly, have your helper write down the weight. If it lingers, safely place your dog down before noting the number.
Step 6: Calculate
Subtract your weight from the combined weight to find your dog’s weight. If you end up with a negative number, something went awry. It’s time for a redo!
Make your dog a scale-savvy pet without the drama.
In the grand scheme of doggy health, keeping tabs on your pet’s weight might seem like a small step, but it’s a giant leap toward their well-being. Whether you’re weighing them on a kitchen scale, mastering the art of lift-and-weigh, or strutting into the vet’s office like a pro, every effort counts. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog means fewer vet bills and more tail wags.
Ready to go the extra mile?
Check out our free ebook, packed with practical tips and tricks to tackle dog obesity head-on. Or, dive into our other articles to discover more expert insights for keeping your furry friend at their playful best. Together, we’re not just scaling the scales; we’re climbing toward #MoreHealthyDogs.