WHEN IS A DOG CONSIDERED FAT?

Veterinarians often use a 9 point scoring system to evaluate the body condition of pets. A point value of 1 means the dog is extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of 9 means the pet is grossly overweight. To determine body score, there are several specific areas of the dog  to look at.

Remember, these are guidelines!!

To perform the rating, first feel your dogs ribs. You should be able to quite easily feel the ribs. There should be a slight amount of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. If you can see the ribs, your dog is to thin. If you can not feel them at all, your dog is overweight.

Next, check the area near the base of the tail. There should be a slight fat covering over this area and it should  feel smooth. If the bones protrude, your dog is too thin; if you can not feel any bones at all, your dog is overweight.

Third, feel other bony prominences on your dogs body such as spine, shoulders and hips. Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt or visible, your dog is too thin. If you can not feel the bones beneath the layer of fat, your dog is overweight.

Now look at your dog from above. Your dog should have a definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme, or again, bony prominences are visible, your dog is too thin. If there is no waist, or worst yet, the area between the ribs and hips is wider then the hips or ribs, your dog is grossly overweight.

Fifth, look at your dog from the side. Dogs should have an abdominal tuck,  I.e., the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest.  A dog who is too thin will have a very severe abdominal tuck. Overweight dogs will have no abdominal tuck.