Growth charts in puppies
How to monitor healthy growth in puppies?
In humans, a child's growth is monitored using growth charts, which are curves illustrating the typical pattern of growth. They help pediatricians confirm whether children are growing normally and spot a problem if there's something abnormal. These growth charts have been developed and are now available for dogs.
How can we spot abnormalities with charts?
It is important to weigh puppies at regular intervals and plot those numbers on the chart so we can observe and interpret the growth pattern. Each line on the chart describes a percentile. There are 9 percentiles on each chart and they represent the expected range of growth that's considered normal. So, weigh the dog, plot the measurements on the chart, and look at the pattern. If it goes upwards, the puppy is growing too fast. If it goes downwards, then the puppy is not growing fast enough.
How can I use growth charts in clinics?
- You need to determine which ones to use. There are 10 based on gender and adult weight. If you know the breed of the puppy well, you can use the average adult weight of the breed as a starter. If it's a mixed breed, with your first measurement in hand, try a different chart and use the one you think fits best.
- You need to know the age to properly plot your first measurement onto the chart you selected.
- Repeat the measurements once a month until six months.
- Evaluate the growth pattern.
To learn more, watch the full video!
You may also be interested in watching the following videos:
- Supplements during gestation
- The importance of Nutrition in newborns
- Milk replacers for Veterinarians
- The duration of the growth period
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