How to Tell If Your Dog is Overweight

author: Chris Margrey, DVM

2023-07-24

A survey conducted in 2018 by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that nearly 56% of dogs in the United States were considered overweight or

obese by veterinary professionals, which is a staggering number in light of the health concerns that come with being overweight or obese. As such, early

identification of unnecessaryweight gain is vital to notice as a pet parent, but how do you know if your dog is overweight? Does it really matter if your dog

is a little heavier than it should be?

Why It’s Important for Your Dog to Be a Healthy Weight

Maintaining an ideal body weight can have considerable effects on your pet’s long-term well-being. A 14-year study by Purina found that dogs fed to their ideal

body condition lived 1.8 years longer, on average than overweight dogs. Additionally, being overweight can predispose your pet to numerous health problems,

including degenerative joint disease (or “arthritis”), pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus. Overweight dogs also have an increased risk of complications during

anesthesia (e.g., during dental cleanings, diagnostic imaging, etc.). In other words, keeping your dog at an ideal body weight grants you more high-quality

years with your four-legged family member.

Risks & Health Problems Associated with Overweight Dogs

Being overweight can predispose your dog to many health problems, including the following:

Arthritis and other joint problems (ex: CCL tears)
Heart Disease
Diabetes mellitus
Shortened Lifespan
Increased risk of urinary stone formation
Heart disease
Collapsing trachea
Skin infections
Possible increased risk of some Cancers
Decreased immune function
Kidney disease

Ideal Weight Range for Dogs

Identifying an ideal body weight for your dog is crucial. Many people believe that overweight dogs (even those that are just slightly overweight, e.g., BCS of 6 or

7) are at an ideal weight. When (if ever) was the last time your veterinarian told you your dog was at a “perfect weight”? Take note of that. If you have a puppy,

you can also use the Waltham Puppy Growth Charts. These charts are a tool that allows you to track your puppy’s growth based on its anticipated adult weight

and age. By plotting your puppy’sweight on these charts, their predicted ideal adult weight can be identified when they are only a few months old! Lastly, if

neitherof these options applies to your dog, the best universal option is to talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s weight, as they are trained to identify

overweight pets and determine ideal body weight goals.

Body Condition Scoring for Dogs

While a body weight in pounds or kilograms is a helpful reference point, the best determinant for a dog’s ideal body weight is to use a body condition score

(BCS). “BCSing” is often done on a 9-point scale (1-9), with 1 being emaciated, 9 being obese, and 4-5 being an ideal body weight. Veterinarians use a

BCS to assess if a dog is underweight, overweight, or at their ideal weight. It is a simple technique that you can also use at home.

Benefits Of Fresh Dog Food: 10 Research-Backed Reasons To Switch

Puppy Gas: 5 Reasons Your Dog Is Gassy & What To Do About It