Is My Dog Underweight, Overweight, Obese?

Emaciated

• 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

• Ribs, spine and pelvis bones visible and easily felt.
• Little body fat.
• Neck thin.
• Abdomen tucked up.
• Little fat on tail.
• Obvious waist when viewed from above.
• Increase feeding and worm dog if not wormed recently. (ensure all-wormer used – some products do not cover all worms).
• Seek veterinary advice if dog remains underweight or unsure of feeding or worming regime.

Ideal

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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