How to tell if your dog is a healthy weight (Image: Getty)
A shared an easy way to tell if your dog is overweight, after vets estimated nearly half were overweight or obese in a survey.
The guide made by Pet Nutritionist and Veterinary Advisor Emily Boardman depicts the signs of a dog being underweight, ideal weight, overweight or obese.
Boardman said making changes could “add years” to a dog’s life, after a survey in 2023 revealed that, on average, vets estimated 46% of dogs were overweight or obese.
Emily said: “Obesity in dogs can cause serious health problems, including joint strain, diabetes, and heart disease.
“Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight isn’t just about diet – it’s about overall health and happiness. By making simple changes to their feeding routine and lifestyle, owners can add years to their dog’s life.”
Dog body condition chart (Image: Emily)
According to the image, dogs of an ideal weight should have a slight tummy tuck, ribs that are easy to feel and a visible waist. If the dog’s ribs are visible however, it places them in the underweight category.
For a dog to be considered obese according to the guide, they’d have visible fat on their neck and limbs, as well as concealed ribs and waist.
Emily warned that excess weight can put strain on joints, exacerbating conditions like , and it may develop cardiovascular issues similar to those seen in human
She notes that obesity also increases the risk of diabetes, which can significantly affect a dog’s quality of life and require lifelong management.
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Emily also shared ways to protect your dog from obesity, including weighing or measuring food portions, and reducing food by 5g every few days to avoid your dog noticing a difference.
Kibbles or vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli could replace treats, or be added into meals as a lower calorie option, while using a feeding ball could encourage dogs to move more during mealtimes
She explained that some dogs may always seem hungry due to their natural foraging instincts, but if the dog is maintaining their weight, they’re likely getting enough food.