Is My Dog Underweight, Overweight, Obese?

 

PUPPIES & DOGS  -  DOG HEALTH ISSUES  -   DOG WEIGHT CHART  -  FOODS DOGS CAN'T EAT  -  POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS  -  DOG BEHAVIOUR  -  WHAT IS A REGISTERED BREEDER?  -   DOG BREEDS & BREED INFO  DOG NAMES

 

 

Emaciated

Emaciated dog

  • Individual ribs, spine and pelvis prominent and evident from a distance.
  • Lack of muscle mass.
  • Little or no body fat.
  • Rump hollow.
  • Waist prominent when viewed from above.
  • Abdomen obviously tucked up.
  • Neck thin.
  • No fat on tail.
  • Veterinary advice must be sought.

 

Thin

Thin dog

 

Ideal

Ideal dog

  • Ribs and spine can be felt, last few ribs may be visible.
  • Dog should have a waist when viewed from above.
  • Belly is tucked up when viewed from side.
  • Good muscle mass.
  • Rump well muscled.

 

 

Overweight

Overweight dog

  • Ribs and spine not visible but can be felt.
  • Fat deposit on tail.
  • Little or no waist when viewed from above, rounded appearance, back appears broadened.
  • Dog squarish along back line when viewed from side.
  • Abdomen not tucked up, may appear rounded underneath.
  • Reduce feed intake or provide lower calorie feed. Increase exercise. Seek veterinary advice if unsure of appropriate diet or concerns over exercise regime.

 

Obese

Obese dog

  • Ribs and spine not visible and difficult to feel.
  • Tail has obvious fat deposit.
  • No waist and back broadened when viewed from above.
  • Belly obviously rounded and possibly distended.
  • Dog square or rounded up along back line when viewed from side.
  • Seek veterinary advice on diet and exercise regime.

 

 

If you are worried about the health of your dog, contact your local emergency vet.

 

Find Australian Veterinary Practices and Animal health services here...

 

 

Bureau of Animal Welfare