Komungi's 36kg weight, at the lowest BCS stage where ribs cannot be felt

Weight management for companion dogs is an essential factor directly linked to joint health, going beyond simple appearance. According to a video released on the SBS TV Dongmulnongjang x Animalbwa official YouTube channel, the companion dog Komungi, who currently weighs 36kg, was confirmed to be in a state of very high obesity.

Lowest BCS stage where ribs cannot be felt, a cause of joint pain

BCS (Body Condition Score), an indicator of a companion dog's obesity level, is divided into a total of 9 stages. This indicator is judged based on how much the ribs can be felt when touching the dog's flank and how much the belly hangs when viewed from the side. In the video, Komungi corresponds to the lowest BCS stage where the ribs cannot be felt, and most of the body consists of fat.

This overweight condition puts direct pressure on the dog's joints. In the video, it was mentioned that Komungi shows symptoms of limping or discomfort in the legs. In particular, excessive fat in the hip area can cause inflammation, and if this condition accumulates chronically, there is a high possibility it will lead to serious diseases in the future. Therefore, it is important to start weight management before it manifests as a disease.

Asymmetric gait and muscle imbalance, the need for visual perception training

When joint health deteriorates due to obesity, changes also appear in the dog's walking posture. According to the evaluation of the expert appearing in the video, Komungi showed a 'pacing' posture where the right front leg and right hind leg move simultaneously. This phenomenon usually occurs when the hip joints are not good or there is pain in a specific area, as the dog tries not to properly use the leg of the painful area.

Additionally, a phenomenon where the balance of left and right muscles is broken was observed as the center of gravity shifts to one side to avoid pain. According to the expert, to correct this imbalance, training utilizing 'visual perception' that induces the dog to walk by crossing one leg at a time can be helpful. In the video, the importance of training was shown by conducting exercises to shift the center of gravity through movements where the dog lifts its front legs.

Obesity in companion dogs requires integrated management, which includes not only reducing the amount of food eaten but also appropriate exercise suitable for the condition of the joints and forming correct walking habits.