How To Know if Your Dog Is Fat

Just like people, dogs can become overweight. If you feed your dog every time he begs, let him have table scraps, or neglect to take him outside for exercise frequently, your dog may be overweight. Most pet owners, however, don't want to believe that their dogs are fat. It can be difficult to be objective when it's your own pet. Though the appropriate weight varies considerably from breed to breed, your dog's build and overall physique holds clues to whether he is overweight. Here's how to know if your dog is fat:

1. Feel your dog's ribs. Run your hands along your dog's sides, trying to feel the ribs. You should be able to feel each individual rib, but they should not be too obvious. If you only feel the smooth side of your dog, and cannot feel each of the ribs without pressing into your dog's sides, your dog is probably overweight. However, if they jut out noticeably, and each individual rib can be seen when looking at your dog's side, then your dog may be underweight.
2. Feel your dog's spine. Now, run your fingers down your dog's spine, with one finger on each side of the spine. You should not be able to feel any ribs protruding at the top of your dog's back, or your dog may be underweight. However, you should be able to locate the spine with ease. If you cannot feel your dog's spine through the top of his back, he may be overweight.
3. Look at your dog's tummy. Look at your dog from the side. If your dog is at the proper weight, you should see a noticeable tuck that creates a defined “waistline.” This will become naturally less noticeable as your dog ages, just like the waistline tends to become less defined as humans age. If your dog's stomach hangs, this is a sign of too much fat on your pet.
4. Look at your dog from above. When looking at you dog from above, you should be able to see a noticeable waist between the back end of the rib cage and the hips. If this area bulges out rather than tucking inward, your dog is overweight.
5. Visit the veterinarian. If in doubt, visit the vet. Your vet has undoubtedly seen thousands of dogs, and will be able to quickly tell you if your dog is fat. You vet can also evaluate how much weight your dog should lose to become a healthy weight, and can make a plan for you to help your dog lose weight.

If your dog is fat, he is more vulnerable to a range of injuries and diseases. Overweight dogs also have less energy. Though you may feel guilty denying your dog his favorite treats, dogs feel a lot happier when their weight is under control. Obesity is a problem that is not restricted to humans. Though you might think your chubby dog is cute, you are hurting your dog's lifespan and overall health by letting him become overweight.