Why the scale alone can't tell you
Two dogs of the same breed can be 15 lb apart and both be healthy. Frame size differs. That is why vets judge body shape, not only weight. They use a body condition score, most often on a 9-point scale where 4 to 5 is ideal. Each point above 5 is about 10% extra weight.
This check puts your dog on a simple 5-step version of that scale: lean, a little extra, round, heavy and very heavy.
The rib check matters most
Put both thumbs on your dog's spine and spread your flat hands over the ribs. On a lean dog, the ribs feel like the back of your hand: easy to find under a thin layer. If they feel like your knuckles, the dog may be too thin. If they feel like your palm, there is extra fat. Long or thick fur hides a lot, so trust your hands over your eyes.
How common is it?
Surveys of US vet clinics put more than half of dogs above a healthy weight. Many owners of those dogs think their dog is about right. Extra weight creeps on slowly, so it is easy to miss.
What to do next
- Ask your vet for a healthy target weight, or use the one the calculator suggests from your dog's shape.
- Feed for the healthy weight, not today's weight. The dog weight loss calculator turns that into cups a day.
- Weigh your dog every week. Aim to lose about 1% of body weight a week.
Questions
My dog has a lot of fur. Does this still work?
Yes, but use your hands, not your eyes. Wet fur after a bath also shows the real shape.
Do some breeds look heavier?
Some breeds have a broad chest or a deep body, like Labradors and Bulldogs. They should still have ribs you can feel and a visible waist from above.
When should I see a vet?
If your dog is heavy or very heavy, gained weight fast without eating more, or seems tired, thirsty or short of breath. Thyroid problems and Cushing's disease can cause weight gain.