Quick Answer: Use the rib test: place both thumbs on your dog's spine and spread your fingers along their ribs. You should feel individual ribs with light pressure but not see them. If you have to press hard to feel ribs — your dog is overweight. If you can clearly see all ribs — your dog is underweight. The ideal is feel-without-looking, not-see-without-feeling.
The Full Body Check
- Ribs — feel without pressing hard. Visible through fur = too thin. Impossible to feel = too heavy.
- Waist — viewed from above, there should be a visible narrowing behind the ribs. A straight or wider-than-chest waist indicates excess weight.
- Tummy tuck — viewed from the side, the abdomen should tuck up slightly from the ribcage to the hind legs. A hanging belly indicates overweight.
Why Weight Matters
Even moderate overweight reduces life expectancy by up to 2 years in dogs. It worsens arthritis, increases heat intolerance, reduces exercise capacity, and strains heart and organs. Summer is particularly risky — overweight dogs overheat faster and cool down slower.
Summer Weight Risk
An overweight dog in summer needs the cooling mat more urgently than a lean dog, and shorter walks with frequent water from the water bottle.
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