QuestionI have a 5 year old female Basset Hound and she weighs 68.4lbs. The vet says thats okay due to the fact we almost lost her 2 years ago b/c she swallowed a peach seed. My question is how much should a 5yo Basset Hound really weigh!!!
~JeN~
AnswerHi Jennifer,
I'm a bit confused. How does a near death experience 2 years ago correlate with her weight today? Does he mean that she should be spoiled? Or that he thought maybe she'd have health issues? Sorry to be a bit daft but I don't understand.
An average female Basset should weigh between 45 and 55 pounds. If your girl is of normal height (not over 15 inches at the shoulders) and structure, I would say she's quite a bit overweight. If she is of average size, it's incredibly irresponsible of your vet to tell you her excess weight is ok.
An overweight Basset is at great risk for spinal problems due to their skeletal structure. You are also putting her at increased risk for arthritis (which they are prone to anyway) and heart problems.
It's difficult to say without seeing her, if she's fat. If you'd like to email me a few photos of her, from different angles, it would be easier.
nicole@boxerdogplanet.com
