How do I know if my dog or cat is overweight? What signs should I see?

Question

What signs should I be looking for to know if my dog or cat is overweight?

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

Sadly, overweight pets are so common that those actually at a healthy body weight may appear too thin to many people. As a general rule of thumb, a dog or cat’s ribs should be easy to feel under a *thin* fat covering, but should not be visible or difficult to feel. Additionally, a dog or cat should have a visible “waistline” with a tuck up in their abdomen. Your veterinarian can assess the body condition scores of to provide a more objective measurement of your pet’s weight, but tools like the [PetCoach Healthy Pet Weight Calculator](https://www.petcoach.co/healthy-weight-calculator/) can also help to guide pet owners at home. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to a pet’s health, as obesity can lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and a number of other health conditions.

How do I know if my dog or cat is overweight? What signs should I see?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Share