Many dog owners often ask the question: is my dog overweight? Body shapes can vary by breed, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell what a healthy dog looks like. Clinical studies have found that up to 65% of dogs are obese or overweight, despite 82% of owners reporting their dog is a healthy weight. [1] So if you’re struggling to tell whether your dog is at their ideal weight, you’re not alone.
In this blog, we will be discussing the different ways you can check your dog’s weight at home, and explaining why a healthy weight matters. The following advice is backed up by vets and based on my own knowledge as a nutritionist. I know that it can be tricky to tell if your dog is overweight or not, but after reading this article, you will hopefully have a solid understanding.
Key takeaways
- The most effective at-home methods to check your dog’s weight are the BCS scale and the hand test.
- Difficulty feeling ribs, low energy, and reluctance to exercise are some of the most common signs that your dog is overweight.
- For dogs who are overweight, losing weight has been shown to improve their health, well-being and lifespan.
- Overeating and breed disposition are some of the most common contributors for weight gain in dogs.
- It’s definitely worth a trip to the vets if you’re concerned about your dog’s weight – don’t be worried about bringing them in, it’s a common issue that vets are very used to seeing.
Table of contents
How vets assess whether a dog is overweight
Body Condition Score (BCS): The best way to check at home
Signs your dog may be overweight
Why a dog’s weight matters
Why dogs gain weight
Is my dog overweight or just a big breed?
What to do if your dog is overweight
When to speak to your vet
Helping your dog stay a healthy weight
How vets assess whether a dog is overweight
As well as popping your dog on the scales to see how they measure up, vets also look at factors like body condition, shape and fat coverage for a more accurate picture. The gold standard method vets use is the Body Condition Score (BCS), as this takes these things into consideration. You can use the BCS to check your pet’s weight at home. You might find it helpful for your vet to guide you through it the first time so you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Body Condition Score (BCS): The best way to check at home
The BCS is a way to check if your pet is overweight, underweight, or an ideal weight. This involves assessing three key areas: the ribs, belly, and waist. You can then refer to a BCS chart where you can see which number on the scale your dog falls under.
The BCS scale starts at 1 representing extremely underweight dogs, and goes up to 9 which indicates obesity. An ideal score is 4-5 which indicates that your dog is a healthy weight. If your dog has a score of 3 (slightly underweight) or 6 (slightly overweight) and is otherwise healthy, you may be able to manage the problem at home yourself [2]. Although, if you are unsure it’s best to seek guidance from a vet.
However, if your dog’s score indicates they’re firmly underweight or overweight, it’ll help to take them to your vet for professional advice about how you can adjust their diet and exercise regime to help them get to their ideal weight.
The rib, waist and side-profile checks
To assess your pet using the BCS test, you can check your pup’s ribs, waist and side profile which can see if they’re a healthy weight or not.
Ribs: you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily with some light pressure – if you cannot, it may indicate that they’re overweight.
Waist: If you look at your dog from above, you should be able to see their waist with a slight ‘hourglass’ shape. If you cannot see your dog’s waist it can indicate that they’re overweight.
Side profile: When you look at your dog’s side profile, you should be able to see a slight tummy tuck. If there is no tummy tuck or it looks distended, it can mean that your dog is overweight or obese.
The “hand test” explained
The hand test is another way to check your dog’s weight. The first step is to feel where your dog’s ribs are. Then, take your hand, make a fist, and run your finger over your knuckles. If it is similar to how your dog’s ribs feel, then it indicates that your dog is underweight.
Then lay your hand palm down and run your finger over your knuckles again. This is what a dog’s ribs should feel like when they’re a healthy weight.
Lastly, turn your hand so that your palm is facing up and feel your knuckles – this is what an overweight dog’s ribs may feel like, with the bones much harder to feel.
Remember that these tests are not a diagnosis, but are there to give you a better understanding as to whether your dog is a healthy weight or not. If you’re concerned about your pet, it’s worth getting them checked out for peace of mind.
Signs your dog may be overweight
Here are some common things to look out for if you suspect that your dog may be overweight.
- You have difficulty feeling their ribs
- Loss of waist definition
- Lacking energy
- Reluctance to exercise
- Panting easily and/or breathing heavier
- Trouble grooming or moving comfortably
If your dog is showing any of the above symptoms, it’s worth a trip to the vets to see if your dog is overweight.
Why a dog’s weight matters
If you notice that your dog has started to put on a bit of weight, don’t worry, there are things you can do to help. Speaking with your vet to discuss the best way to help your pup lose some weight is a great first step.
Losing weight can help improve an overweight dog’s health and well-being in quite a lot of ways, including giving them lots more energy to run and play. It’s also been proven to improve hind limb lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis, helping give them some relief from their symptoms. [3]
When dogs carry excess weight, it can also mean that they may be more prone to developing some health issues, so losing weight can help protect them from these conditions.
Below are some of the health problems to be aware of:
- Joint strain and mobility issues
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Heart and breathing problems
Healthy weight loss is gradual and can take a bit of time, but you should be able to see a change in around two weeks.
Why dogs gain weight
To help keep your dog trim and healthy, it can be helpful to know the most likely things that cause dogs to put on weight. Weight gain is usually gradual and unintentional, so it’s easy to not notice right away.
Here are the most common contributors:
Overfeeding
Overfeeding or large portion sizes can cause a dog to gain weight over time. This is why understanding how much food your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight is key in helping prevent unexpected weight gain.
Treats and extras
Many dogs love treats, but too many may cause your dog to put on a little weight. Treats should take up about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. [4] If your dog needs to lose weight, they can still have treats as part of a balanced diet, just in moderation. A couple of low-fat treat ideas include blueberries and pieces of carrot.
Low activity levels
If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, it may start to affect their weight. Different breeds have different exercise needs – for example, working breeds need around a couple of hours every day to stay happy and healthy.
Neutering
Dogs can gain weight after being neutered. If this happens to your pet, it can be controlled by reducing their calories. However, if you’re unsure on how to limit your dog’s calories while making sure they stay nourished, you can always speak to your vet or the expert nutrition team at Tails.com to get some tips. After your dog is neutered, let us know and we can update your dog’s profile so we can automatically and gradually update their portions.
Ageing
As your dog ages, they can sometimes gain weight as they use less energy. If you’ve noticed your older dog gaining weight, it could be worth a trip to the vets to see if your pet can benefit from a change in diet to support this. At Tails.com, our clever Adaptive Nutrition system automatically changes your dog’s tailored kibble blend when they reach certain life stages, such as when they get older and need to transition to a senior dog diet.
Breed predisposition
Some breeds like Labradors and Pugs are more prone to being overweight, which could partially be down to genetics. [5] Studies found that some Labradors and Golden Retrievers have genes that keep them feeling hungry, meaning these breeds are more likely to overeat. [6]
Medical conditions
Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can cause a dog to gain weight rapidly. If you notice that your dog has gained a lot of weight in a short amount of time, it’s best to get them checked out to rule out any potential health conditions.
Is my dog overweight or just a big breed?
The size of your dog’s breed isn’t the same as their body condition. To understand if your dog is overweight or not, you can use a BCS chart that shows what to look out for with larger breeds – some breeds also tend to have a stockier build, which is important to bear in mind.
It’s key to understand that larger breeds can be lean and smaller breeds can be overweight. Checking a BCS chart can be a reliable way to see if your dog is a healthy weight or not, and there are various charts available to suit small, medium and large breeds.
What to do if your dog is overweight
If your dog is overweight, there are several things you can do to help them reach a healthy weight again.
Firstly, you could adjust their food portions so they are eating less calories, but are still getting the nutrients they need. Before adjusting your dog’s portions, it may be best to speak with your vet or a Tails.com nutrition specialist, so they can help advise you. The number of calories your dog eats per day should be based on their ideal weight, rather than what they currently weigh.
You can also help your dog lose weight by adjusting the amount of treats you give them. While you can still give your dog treats as you help them lose weight, you just need to make sure they fit in with your pet’s vet-approved calorie allowance.
To help aid in your dog’s weight loss, you can also try to increase gentle activity to get them moving a little more. This can look like going on smaller but more frequent walks. For overweight dogs that struggle with joint pain, swimming or hydrotherapy could be a great option.
One of the most important ways you can help your dog lose weight is to choose appropriate food for weight loss. Recipes that have slow-release carbohydrates and high protein levels, for example, can help dogs feel fuller for longer, which is very helpful for overweight dogs. At Tails.com we offer dog food that supports weight control.
When to speak to your vet
If you’re not sure whether you should get your pup checked out or not, don’t worry, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed when managing your pet’s health. I’ve listed below a few signs that it’s a good time to reach out to your vet for some guidance.
- You’re unsure about BCS
- Your dog has gained weight quickly
- Your dog has mobility issues
- You’re thinking of getting started with a weight-loss plan
Helping your dog stay a healthy weight
Managing your dog’s weight can feel a little tricky at first, especially if they’re a dog who seems to put on weight very easily or always seems to be hungry, but knowing what to look out for can help a lot. Keeping track of your dog’s weight using the BCS chart or the hand test every now and again can make a big difference to their health.
By speaking to your vet and implementing small changes like adjusting their diet and exercise can help improve your dog’s health and well-being. If you suspect that your dog is currently overweight, don’t worry, a trip to the vet’s can put a plan of action in place to help your dog get back to their ideal weight.
FAQs:
How do I know if my dog is overweight?
It can be hard to tell right away if your dog is overweight or not. You may notice that they feel a little heavier, or they get tired a bit quicker than normal. This could mean they’ve put on a little weight. To check this yourself, you could use a BCS chart or your hands to see if your pup is overweight or not.
What is a healthy weight for a dog?
It’s difficult to determine an average healthy weight for all dogs, as they come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. Physiques and metabolisms vary between breeds, which is why vets use the BCS chart as well as their weight measurements to determine if a dog is a healthy weight or not, because this takes more factors into consideration.
Can a dog be overweight even if they’re active?
Yes, active dogs can still become overweight if they overeat. Dogs can keep eating even when they feel full, which can lead to weight gain even if they love their exercise! [7]
How often should I check my dog’s weight?
For healthy dogs, checking their weight every 6 months to one year is recommended unless your vet advises otherwise. If your dog has a health condition, is still a puppy or is entering their senior years, it may be best to check their weight more often.[8]
Is being slightly overweight really a problem?
If you’ve noticed your dog is a little overweight, which could mean they have a BCS score of 6, it’s best to keep an eye on this. If your dog becomes very overweight, it’s not ideal for their health, so it’s best to help prevent this from happening. If your dog is overweight, a change in diet and a chat with your vet can help get your pup back on track to a comfortable and healthy weight.
Why is my dog overweight if he’s not overeating?
If you’ve noticed your dog putting on weight but they’ve been eating the same amount of food, it’s best to bring them to your vet. This can rule out any rare medical conditions that can cause excess weight gain in dogs. It may also be that your pup needs more exercise to burn off any excess calories!
Sources
[1] PDSA report, 2022
[2] How To Find Your Dog’s Body Condition Score, PetMD, July 2023
[3] Effect of weight reduction on clinical signs of lameness in dogs with hip osteoarthritis
[4] Are Treats Good for Dogs? How to Find Healthy Dog Treats, PetMD, September 2023
[5] Obesity in dogs, FAQ, PDSA
[6] Genetic mutation in a quarter of all Labradors hard-wires them for obesity, University of Cambridge
[7] Is my dog overweight, Blue Cross[8] How to weigh your dog at home, PetMD, January 2017