How To Tell If Your Dog Is At A Healthy Weight
How To Tell If Your Dog Is At A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight keeps your dog active and comfortable. Exercise, feeding frequency and portion size all add up—and small changes can make a big difference.
Three Simple At-Home Checks
1) Profile Analysis
- The abdomen should sit higher than the ribcage—an upward incline from front legs to rear.
- A steep incline can suggest underweight; a flat or bulging underside suggests overweight.
- Drop to your dog’s level and view from the side for accuracy.
2) Rib Examination
- Place both thumbs on the spine, fingers spread over the ribcage.
- At a healthy weight you should feel ribs with light pressure but not see them prominently.
- Use your hands—not just your eyes—coats can hide the ribline.
3) Overhead Inspection
- From above, a healthy dog shows a subtle “hourglass” with a tucked waist behind the ribs.
- Visible individual ribs & a narrow waist → likely underweight.
- Waist in line with or wider than ribs → likely overweight.
Quick Reference
| Sign | Likely Status | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ribs sharp/visible, steep tummy tuck | Underweight | Increase calories gradually; review exercise; consider energy-dense working dog formulas. |
| Ribs palpable with light pressure, defined waist | Ideal | Maintain current routine; monitor monthly. |
| Ribs hard to feel, no waist or bulging waist | Overweight | Trim portions; choose light/weight-management food; increase daily activity. |
Adjusting Your Dog’s Plan
If your dog is underweight
- Check you’re not over-exercising for current condition.
- Discuss higher-calorie options (e.g., working dog foods) and feed smaller, more frequent meals.
- Ensure balanced nutrients—adequate protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Sudden weight loss warrants a vet check to rule out medical causes.
If your dog is overweight
- Increase daily activity (walks, play, enrichment) in small, steady steps.
- Switch to light/weight-management formulas; measure portions accurately.
- If certain foods cause tummy upsets, trial a grain-free option to support digestion and reduce bloating.
In the UK, many dogs carry extra weight—regular check-ins help you catch gains early.
FAQs
How often should I check my dog’s weight?
Do a quick rib/waist check weekly and record weight monthly. Growing pups may need more frequent monitoring.
What is the Body Condition Score (BCS)?
A 1–9 scale used by vets to judge fat coverage and shape; 4–5/9 is typically ideal for adult dogs.
Should I change food suddenly?
No—transition gradually over 5–7 days to avoid tummy upsets: mix in small amounts of the new food, increasing daily.
How quickly should my dog lose weight?
Slow and steady. Many vets aim for roughly 1–2% of body weight per week. Always get personalised advice for your dog.
When should I see a vet or nutritionist?
If weight changes are sudden, hard to manage, or your dog has other symptoms, book a professional assessment.
