How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight

When it comes to size, dogs are arguably the most genetically variable animals on the planet. They naturally range in size from 200-pound mastiffs to 5-pound toy breeds. This is even noticeable in breeds of similar height-- an obese greyhound might be the exact same weight as a terminally emaciated rottweiler. Given this tremendous variation, it's hard to tell when your dog is obese, and when he's simply a healthy weight for his size.

Veterinarians have a simple system for determining whether or not a dog is overweight. Here are some of the signs that your pooch needs to shed a few pounds.

General Appearance

A dog who is overweight will have an overall thick, fleshy appearance that is uncharacteristic for his breed and build. There will be significant deposits of fat in areas such as the chest and the base of the tail. Severely obese dogs may have fat deposits on the neck and limbs. Often, the clearest sign that a dog is overweight is that he simply looks fat.

Ribs

A dog who is a healthy weight will have palpable ribs, with some-- but very little-- fat covering them. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily, without having to strain or struggle. If it is difficult to feel your dog's ribs, he is likely overweight. If it is impossible, he is probably obese.

Spine

Like the ribs, the spine's visibility and palpability are clear indicators of a pet's health when it comes to weight. While underweight dogs have prominent spines and healthy dogs have spines that feel bony, overweight pets tend to have thick deposits of fat on and around the spine.

Abdomen

A healthy animal shows a visible "abdominal tuck." The area between the ribs and the groin is visibly lean and tucked. Overweight animals have little abdominal tuck and obese dogs might lose the tuck entirely, instead having a distended belly that sags downward. A fat belly in a dog isn't a sign of a hefty meal, but a serious medical problem.

Canine obesity can and does lead to more serious health problems. Common, painful conditions likearthritis are especially prevalent in obese animals. If you believe that your pet is overweight, get in touch with your veterinarian for help getting your dog to lose weight. You owe it to your dog to give him the healthiest, longest life possible.

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine offers one example of a body condition scoring chart used to evaluate a pet's weight. The American Veterinary Medical Association has also compiled a list of scientific studies regarding markers of obesity, and the ASPCA offers complete information about identification, prevention, and treatment for canine obesity.