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Unlike cars and motorcycles, dogs don’t come with warning lights, so checking your dog’s weight from time to time is crucial to maintaining their health. Overweight dogs face numerous health risks, but don’t worry. This article offers a part of the solution. It explains in five brief sections which scale is appropriate for your dog and how to weigh them.
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 friends’ 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, and 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 Dogs’ 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 if you look at the last paragraph, there are some valuable hints there as well.
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 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.
Your dog may not speak in words, but their behavior and physical presence communicate volumes. As a caring owner, you
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.
must interpret these nonverbal cues with insight and empathy. Understanding these signals hinges on two pivotal factors: knowledge, which this article aims to bolster, and acknowledging a tricky mental barrier—denial. Our brains commonly downplay subtle changes or attribute a pet’s lack of vigor to aging or mere moodiness. Maintaining a vigilant mindset is crucial for the early recognition of weight gain in your dog.
The concept of denial also manifests in a more conscious form, often illustrated through our everyday behaviors. A social media anecdote cleverly exemplifies this: a person places one potato chip after another on a scale, with each chip failing to tip the balance, thus falsely justifying the negligible impact of each additional chip. Similarly, as pet owners, we may rationalize that one extra treat, or one day without a walk, won’t make a difference—when these small indulgences accumulate significantly.
Beyond our conscious choices, our brains also play a role in the reward system, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine. When we give our pets treats, we’re feeding them and rewarding ourselves with a surge of pleasure. The saying “sharing is caring” is deeply rooted in this biochemical exchange, underlining the joy of giving. But responsible caregiving requires us to make tough, health-conscious decisions for our pets, challenging though they may be.
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!
Weighing your dog should be as routine as their walks but not so frequent that it becomes a chore for either of you. There’s no use in being Don Quichote every day.
A bi-weekly weigh-in is a paw-fect way to keep tabs on their health without turning yourself into a weight-watching fanatic. You could even get away with a monthly check, but the sooner you spot an issue, the faster you can adapt your approach.
Just imagine it as their two-weekly “weigh-in-cuddle-time.” A moment for both of you to ensure they’re in tip-top shape for all the tail-wagging adventures ahead.
Remember, consistency is critical, and it helps a lot to always weigh them at the same time for that accurate snapshot of their well-being. You don’t step on a scale right after a copious meal, either, do you? It also teaches them the exact moment to start playing hide and seek or urgently needing to go on a walk.
When you want to make it easy on yourself, and you should sometimes, there are a few hints and tricks for making life a little easier.
As we mentioned, you are always welcome to weigh your perfect puppy at a veterinary clinic without being charged. Most of the time, the scale is in the entrance or a quiet corner of the waiting room, so you don’t have to bother other animals that aren’t feeling too well. And I’ve never seen a vet upset because you care about your dog.
In Europe, some pet stores also have a large scale for their customers, and I assume it’s the same in the US. Isn’t that a great way to combine the useful and the pleasant by shopping and caring for your devoted doppelganger?
Hopefully, you have experienced that Dogbesity.com is there to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need. Together, we can create a world with #MoreHealthyDogs.
Thank you for your commitment to your furry friend’s health and for allowing us to join your journey.