How to Determine if Your Dog is Overweight

Q: When is a dog considered to be fat?

A: As a pet science enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the nuances of pet health. Veterinarians utilize a 9-point scoring system to assess the body condition of our furry friends. A score of 1 indicates a dog or cat is extremely thin, while a 9 denotes gross obesity. The Goldilocks zone, where it’s ‘just right,’ is a score of 5. It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and can vary between breeds. For instance, a Greyhound with a score of 5 will naturally appear slimmer than a Bulldog with the same score.

How to Determine Your Pet’s Body Condition Score

Here’s a breakdown of the evaluation process:

1. Feeling the Ribs

   Gently palpate your pet’s ribcage. The ribs should be easily felt with a thin layer of fat covering them. If the ribs are visible, your pet is too thin. Conversely, if you can’t feel the ribs at all, they’re overweight.

2. Base of the Tail

   Examine the area near the base of the tail. There should be a smooth layer of fat. If the bones are protruding, your pet is too thin. If no bones are felt, they’re very overweight.

3. Bony Prominences

   Feel for other bony areas like the spine, shoulders, and hips. A thin layer of fat should be present. If bones are easily felt or visible, the pet is too thin. If no bones are discernible beneath the fat, the pet is overweight.

4. View from Above

   Observe your pet from above. A visible waist behind the ribs is ideal. If the waist is pronounced or bones are visible, the pet is too thin. If there’s no waist, or the area between the ribs and hips is wider than the hips or ribs, the pet is overweight.

5. View from the Side

   From the side, your dog or cat should exhibit an abdominal tuck, meaning the area behind the ribs should be narrower than the chest. This can differ by breed. An extreme tuck indicates thinness, while the absence of a tuck suggests the pet is overweight.

Consulting a Veterinarian

If you suspect your dog is overweight, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical issues and guide you on initiating a weight reduction program. They’ll also recommend appropriate diets and suggest a healthy pace for weight loss.

Body Condition Score Visual Guide

For a visual representation of the body condition scores, consider these examples:

Very Thin Body Score = 1

Thin Body Score = 3

Ideal Body Score = 5

Overweight Body Score = 7

Obese Body Score = 9