How to tell if your dog is overweight (and how to help it slim down)

A very common problem that's easy to miss

Excess weight is one of the most common health problems in dogs. The surprising part is that many owners don't notice: we see our dog every day and a chubby dog starts to look "normal" or even cuter. But those extra pounds have real consequences.

The hands-on test

Vets use the body condition score, which goes from 1 to 9. Ideal is a 4 or 5. You can check at home in three steps:

• Ribs: run your palms along its sides without pressing. You should feel the ribs the way you feel your knuckles with your hand flat, under a thin layer of fat. If you have to press to find them, it's overweight.
• Waist: look down at it while it stands. Behind the ribs, the body should narrow like a soft hourglass.
• Belly: look from the side. The belly line should rise toward the back legs.

Our ideal weight tool shows drawings of each level so you can compare and log its weight every month.

Why a few extra pounds matter

An overweight dog has a higher risk of arthritis and joint pain, ligament injuries, diabetes, breathing problems, heat intolerance and some heart conditions. Studies have found that dogs kept lean throughout life live longer and with a better quality of life.

The most common causes

• Portions measured "by eye".
• Treats, chews and table scraps nobody counts.
• Too little exercise, especially in winter or when the family's schedule changes.
• Spay or neuter surgery, which slightly lowers energy needs.
• Age: older dogs tend to move less.

In some cases, conditions such as hypothyroidism also cause weight gain. That's why your vet should check your dog before you start a diet.

How to help it lose weight

1. Measure its food. Use a measuring cup or, better, a kitchen scale. Calculate its portion with the daily food tool based on the weight it should have, not its current weight.

2. Count treats. They shouldn't exceed 10% of what it eats each day. Set aside part of its kibble to use as treats, or use bits of carrot or green beans.

3. More movement. Lengthen walks gradually and add sniffing or fetch games. The walk planner helps you set goals.

4. Slow feeders or food puzzles. They make it eat more slowly and feel more satisfied.

5. Patience. Aim for about 1 to 2% of body weight per week. Weigh it every two weeks and adjust.

Low-calorie treat ideas

You can reward without adding many calories: bits of carrot, plain cooked green beans, cucumber slices, blueberries or small pieces of seedless apple. Setting aside a few pieces of its daily kibble to use on walks works well too. What your dog values most is the moment and your attention, not the size of the treat. If you're not sure a food is safe, look it up in Is it toxic?

Keeping a log keeps you motivated

Recording its weight every two weeks lets you see progress and keeps you going. Many families are surprised by how much their dog's energy and playfulness improve after losing just a few pounds. Our ideal weight tool saves the log month by month so you can compare easily.

What not to do

Don't suddenly cut its food drastically or put it on a very strict diet without supervision. Don't use "light" human foods as substitutes: some contain dangerous ingredients like xylitol. And don't get discouraged if it doesn't lose weight one week: the overall trend is what matters.

Frequently asked questions

How much should my dog weigh? It depends on its breed and frame. Body condition is more reliable than an exact number.

Do diet dog foods work? They can help, but only if you measure the portion. Ask your vet for advice.

How long does it take to lose weight? It depends on how much it needs to lose. Often several months of steady changes.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.