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Is my dog overweight?
Feel your dog's ribs, look for a waist from above and a tummy tuck from the side. At an ideal weight the ribs are easy to feel under a thin layer of fat and the waist is clear. About 58% of senior dogs are overweight or obese, according to a 2025 study of 4.9 million US dogs seen at vet clinics.
The 3-step body check
Ribs: run your hands along the chest
- Easy to see, almost no fat over them
- Easy to feel with light pressure, thin fat layer
- Hard to feel under a layer of fat
- Can't feel them at all
Waist: look down from above
- Very narrow, hip bones stick out
- Clear hourglass waist behind the ribs
- Waist barely visible
- No waist, back looks broad or wider at the belly
Tummy: look from the side
- Deep tuck, belly very tight
- Belly tucks up behind the ribs
- Little or no tuck
- Belly hangs down or sags
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
Use the 9-point body condition score. At an ideal 4-5 out of 9 you can feel the ribs with only a thin fat layer and see a waist from above. If the ribs are hard to feel and there is no waist, your dog is probably overweight.
How much over ideal weight is an overweight dog?
Each point above 5 on the 9-point body condition score is roughly 10-15% over ideal weight. A dog at 7 out of 9 is about 20-30% too heavy.
How fast should an overweight senior dog lose weight?
About 3-5% of body weight per month. Faster loss can cost muscle, especially in older dogs. Ask your vet before starting a diet.
Helpful at home
Weighing each meal is the easiest way to feed the right amount every day.
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Sources: WSAVA body condition score chart · APOP: Healthy dog weight loss · Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2025 (4.9 million dogs)
Educational only. Not a substitute for your veterinarian. Updated October 2026. SILVERPAW is operated by ILYESHOPI LLC.
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