Is My Dog a Healthy Weight? How to Check at Home

A simple hands-on way to check your dog's body condition, plus what to do if they are overweight or too thin.

A number on the scale only tells part of the story, because a healthy weight depends on breed, build, and age. Vets use a hands-on check called a body condition score, usually on a 9-point scale where 4 to 5 is ideal. You can do a simple version at home in a minute.

The three-part home check

1. Feel the ribs

Run your hands along your dog's sides. You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, without pressing hard. A common rule of thumb is that ideal ribs feel like the back of your hand, while ribs on an overweight dog feel more like your palm and are hard to find. If the ribs stick out sharply and you can see them from a distance, your dog may be too thin.

2. Look from above

Stand over your dog while they stand. You should see a visible waist behind the ribs, giving a slight hourglass shape. If the sides run straight or bulge outward, there may be extra weight.

3. Look from the side

The belly should tuck up between the ribs and the hind legs. A belly that hangs level with the chest, or sags, suggests extra weight. Long-haired breeds can hide all of this, so rely on touch more than sight.

Signs your dog may be overweight

• You cannot feel the ribs without pressing.
• No visible waist from above.
• Tires quickly on walks or pants heavily with light exercise.
• Has trouble jumping or climbing stairs.

Extra weight raises the risk of joint problems, diabetes, breathing difficulty, and a shorter life. It is one of the most common and most preventable health problems in dogs.

What to do if your dog is carrying extra weight

1. See your vet first. They can confirm a healthy target weight and rule out medical causes. Weight loss should be gradual, and a vet can set a safe pace.
2. Measure every meal. Use a measuring cup or a kitchen scale instead of guessing. Use our calculator to find a starting amount, with the "Weight loss" setting if your vet agrees.
3. Count the treats. A common guideline is that treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. Small training treats, or pieces of your dog's regular kibble, help.
4. Add gentle exercise. Extra walks or play sessions help, and you should build up slowly.
5. Weigh regularly. Check weight and body condition every two to four weeks and adjust with your vet.

If your dog seems too thin

If the ribs, spine, and hip bones are very easy to see, see your vet. Weight loss can be a sign of illness, parasites, dental trouble, or simply not enough food. Don't just add more food without finding out why.

How to weigh your dog at home

For small dogs, weigh yourself holding your dog, then weigh yourself alone and subtract. For larger dogs, many vet clinics and pet stores let you walk your dog onto a scale for free.

Breed matters. Greyhounds and other sighthounds are naturally lean, while Labrador Retrievers and Bulldogs gain weight easily. Look at your own dog's condition, not just at a breed average.

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