This isn't the best angle, but this is a picture of him from a month or so ago:

Perfect. I wish I had one of those 'write on the screen' tools so I could draw some arrows on his belleh. Short of that, picture this, the place where his hip meets his torso should have what vets call 'an abdominal tuck', meaning an inverted V. On Kato, that means that about about 3 inches of tummy needs to be pulled up.

Here is a very basic chart to help you identify what an ideal weight looks like. Of course, breed by breed, there are differences. But not as many as you'd think. Even a Mastiff is going to be healthier with nice hips and an abdominal tuck.

It doesn't seem like the paw licking is too much of a problem. I wonder if the increased exercise might reduce that as well. Good job using the tea bags. They are the perfect, noninvasive treatment. Tea Tree Oil is also good.

If, at any time, it seems like Kato is becoming obsessed with the licking...like he can't stop even when you call him to do something else, you can try Bitter Apple, Bitter Cherry, or a product called YUCK! (seriously) as a lick deterrent. I'd rather find out the source first, but if worse comes to worst, these products are available.

Actually, This page has an even better weight comparison chart about half way down the page. It's in color, so easier to see the nuances.

When you look at Bartleby, you can actually see a slight ripple where his ribs are, so they are visible...and that is the perfect weight for him (40lbs). For Kato, being black means you probably wouldn't see his ribs at the ideal weight. But still.

Gah, ChiKat. So fucked up.

I am exhausted. This cold is kicking my ass, and it's been a long day to end a long week with a number of frustrations today. I was hoping to be done with all the volunteer stuff today, but such is not the case. Oh, well.

Poor smonster! Can you at least relax now?

Maybe Frankie can cuddle your troubles away.

Steph, is it the top of his paws or the bottom he's licking?

It's the top, which is why I wondered. I would have almost expected him to lick the pads, since he has gotten a lot more pavement time recently.

On Kato, that means that about about 3 inches of tummy needs to be pulled up.

Ahahahaha!!! Better than what I was thinking, honestly.

Actually, This page has an even better weight comparison chart about half way down the page. It's in color, so easier to see the nuances.

Oh! Our vet has that chart! I usually looked at it to check Chloe, because she was definitely thin and veering toward emaciated by the time we had her put to sleep. And we were so worried about Chloe that I never gave a passing thought to our fat man. Yup, Kato definitely falls under "heavy."

(He would like me to inform the Internet that he is NOT fat; he just has a double coat. I told him I've tried that excuse for years.)

I have a beer and a cigarette. I can relax for tonight.

Frankie's back home with my parents, so cuddling him will have to wait.

Yeah, Lucy tried that one. (Or, you know, I did on her behalf.) Was not entirely true.

ETA to clarify the xpost: Lucy tried the big boned double coat. The beer and cigarettes were all me.

Yeah, Lucy tried that one. (Or, you know, I did on her behalf.) Was not entirely true.

Heh. He *does* have a double coat. Over his DOUBLE FAT.

(He would like me to inform the Internet that he is NOT fat; he just has a double coat. I told him I've tried that excuse for years.)

Yeaaaahhh.

Our pal, Gary, who is a Fiest Hound, turned into the sort of beach ball that Bartleby was at one time. (I'm a horrible convert when it comes to canine obesity) I make a comment to his male person who is, coincidentally, a nationally ranked racing cyclist with zero body fat. His reply was, "He's all muscle." I responded,"Right. Gary is all muscle, just like I am all muscle. Nice try. A treat is an event, not a volume! Give him the tiniest bit and he'll be just as happy!"

He has since trimmed down. Turns out he had figured out how to open the cupboard where the treats are stored and had been helping himself in the middle of the night.

Dogs can be too smart for our own good!

Turns out he had figured out how to open the cupboard where the treats are stored and had been helping himself in the middle of the night.

I suspect Kato just orders food online when we're at work.