Denton police say a police dog photographed last weekend with protruding ribs is healthy and within his normal weight range.
A photo taken by North Texas Daily reporter Sara Jones when Gino the K-9 performed at a public demonstration sparked concern about the 2-year-old Belgian Malinois' weight.
"That's something that we're going to have to look into -- why it took a photograph to notice his condition," Capt. Lenn Carter said. "It was alarming to us also to see the photograph."
Officer Russ Weier, who handles Gino, took him to a veterinarian Thursday, where the dog got a clean bill of health. Weier said the vet told him the dog's weight is within the normal range.
Gino had not been to a veterinarian since he overcame a tapeworm infection in August.
Weier, who takes the dog in for regular checkups, said the vet told him Gino is a high-energy dog that burns calories fast. He has been feeding the police dog a diet recommended for his breed but is switching to a higher-calorie diet to get Gino back into shape.
