Is my dog overweight? 4 Easy ways to check!

Posted by Russell Gibbons on 9th May 2016

OUR puppies' health is really important.

Not just to them as animals though. There is a direct correlation between the health of ones puppy and the health of ones wallet!

But seriously, putting money aside, our puppy needs to be healthy to have a certain quality of life and to have a long life. Not too dissimilar to us really.

As such, it's really important to keep an eye on them. One of the earliest indicators of poor health is, once again similar to us, their waistlines!

According to Robin Downing from VCA Hospitals, “the perils of obesity are far-reaching. It shortens dogs’ lives and can actually contribute to chronic inflammatory pain.”

But this is a pretty easy thing to say, but how do we know if they are indeed overweight?

Well, I shall attempt to provide some clarity on the situation.

The good thing about obesity, or the weight challenged puppy, is that it can be reversed and the problems which this obesity may then in turn cause, can also be reversed, especially if one takes action sooner rather than later!

Of course, whilst reading this, let's make some basic assumptions here.

Firstly, we’re not talking about young puppies. They are supposed to have a bit of condition on them, hence where the term “puppy fat” comes from.

Secondly, let's not talk too much about really old dogs. They too are allowed to have some weight on them, especially if they have joint issues and are nearing the end of their natural life.

Thirdly, we are talking about a general rule here. It varies a bit from breed to breed, age, and even weather conditions sometimes as well, so think of this as a simple guide to get you thinking in a more improved way with regards to our dog's weight.

Furthermore, I would like to make one important point. Please don’t take it too personally if your pet is overweight.

Obviously, take ownership of the problem, but don’t be embarrassed. I personally do not think it is a direct reflection of you if they are a bit overweight. YOU ARE NOT a bad person. Just be prepared, to be honest with yourself and take appropriate action to help. After all, it’s their health we care about.

So in my research travels, I have been able to summarise it down to about 4 simple tests you can do to help identify if your best mate is a tad portly.

1. FEEL THE RIBS

If you were to look at your puppy, if you can see every rib, then your dog could do with a bit more food.
If you can’t feel and ribs, well then it’s carrying a few extra kilograms!
Stand above your dog and run your fingers down both sides of the animal from the head to the tail whilst feeling for the ribs with your fingers
Be firm, but gentle. Don’t hurt them trying to convince yourself they are not overweight.
You should be able to feel each rib.
But it is good for you to also feel a bit of fat over these ribs. This is natural.
The idea is that you can easily feel the outline of each rib.

2. FEEL THE SPINE AND HIPS

If you can easily see these bones protruding then your dog is potentially to thin.
Run your fingers down the spine from the head towards the tail.
You should be able to feel the spine with a light touch.
Ensure you don’t put any weight on them when you do this.
It is natural to have some fat over these.
If you can’t feel the spine, you have a weight issue- well your puppy does!

3. CHECK BASE OF THE TAIL

This is that part right where the tail meets the body.
It is supposed to have a bit of fat there.
- If you have a lot of folds, this could mean too much weight.
You should be able to feel the bones underneath when touching firmly yet gently.
If the bones are sticking out, your pet is too thin.

4. SIMPLY LOOK

Whilst you are standing above your pet just take an aerial view of your dog.
Pay particular attention to the waist area.
There should be a definite shape between the ribs and the hips. Like a mild dip.
If there is no shape, or it is bulging outwards, you have an overweight pet.
If the dip is too pronounced and you can see the hip bones protruding then it is too thin.
Now take a look from the side. Your dog should have a visible change in shape from behind the ribs. Somewhat of a tuck.
The diameter of the chest should be noticeably larger than the diameter of the area behind the ribs.

Remember, this is simply a guide. There are body shape differences between breeds so don’t get too detailed with this. However, if you follow these four simple steps, then think about the results together, you will get a great guide as to identifying if your puppy has a weight issue or not.

Another visual guide which can be helpful is the body condition score. Check it out for further interest sake.

If you do identify that you might have a dog with a weight issue, I would advise going to your local vet professional to discuss things in detail and to see what the next steps should be.

Remember that a lot of weight issues come from two main things too much food, and not enough exercise.

Decrease one and increase the other slowly and in a measured way.

If you are going to keep giving pet treats and dog treats, make sure they are the no fat, or low fat, ones.

There are heaps of dog treat options out there. Simply check out our site to get an example of the range which is out there and never be afraid to contact us at www.hudsandtoke.com.au to discuss options if you were unsure.

Hope this helps in some way. Lets take care our best mates so they can enjoy time with us for longer!

From all the team here @ Huds and Toke. #hudsandtokefamily