Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their health and lifespan. Here’s how you can tell if your dog might be overweight:
🐾 1. Look at Their Body Shape (The “Hourglass Test”)
- Stand over your dog and look down:
- A healthy dog should have a visible waistline (an inward tuck behind the ribs).
- If the waist is not visible, or your dog looks more oval/round from above, that’s a sign of excess weight.
🐾 2. Feel for Their Ribs (The “Rib Test”)
- Run your hands gently over your dog’s ribcage:
- Healthy weight: You should be able to feel the ribs easily with a thin layer of fat covering them.
- Overweight: If you can’t feel the ribs without pressing firmly, your dog is likely overweight.
- Underweight: If ribs are sticking out sharply, your dog may be too thin.
🐾 3. Check Their Abdomen (The “Tuck Test”)
- When viewed from the side:
- A healthy dog has an upward tuck of the belly behind the ribcage.
- An overweight dog often has a flat or sagging abdomen with little definition.
🐾 4. Watch Their Energy & Movement
- Overweight dogs may tire quickly, pant more than usual, or have trouble jumping, running, or climbing stairs.
- They may also develop joint issues, difficulty grooming themselves, or show signs of discomfort.
✅ If you’re unsure, your vet can perform a Body Condition Score (BCS) assessment, which rates your dog from 1–9 (with 4–5 being ideal).