Is my dog a healthy weight?
Knowing your dog’s weight is useful, but the number on the scales doesn’t tell you everything.
Dogs come in an enormous variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s also important to look at your dog’s body condition.
Look from above
A dog at a healthy weight should generally have a visible waist behind their ribs when viewed from above.
Look from the side
Their abdomen should normally rise towards their back legs rather than continuing in a straight line from their chest.
Feel their ribs
Run your hands gently over your dog’s ribcage.
You should normally be able to feel their ribs without having to press through a thick covering of fat, although the ribs shouldn’t be excessively prominent.
Keep an eye on changes
Because we see our dogs every day, gradual weight gain can be surprisingly difficult to notice.
Weighing your dog periodically and checking their body condition can help you spot changes.
Portion size may need adjusting if their weight or activity changes.
If your dog is significantly overweight, underweight or unexpectedly gaining or losing weight, speak to your vet.
The right amount of food isn’t simply determined by the size of the bowl. It’s determined by the dog standing in front of you.
