Where Not to Look for a Dog’s Ideal Weight
To get an idea of what your dog should weigh, you could simply look it up in a table of ideal pet weights.
However, nearly every table provides this important information in a range of weights — and not a specific number.
For example, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention suggests a weight range for Labrador Retrievers of 65 to 80 pounds.
That’s a significant difference of nearly 23%.
And that figure can vary even more — depending on whether your pet is a male or a female.
What If your Dog Isn’t a Pure Breed?
And what about mixed breeds? Where do you go to look up their ideal weights?
Unfortunately, there’s no clear reference for every individual dog. Because dogs come in so many builds, shapes and sizes.
The Ideal Dog Weight System Used by Veterinarians
Here’s a solution that works for all dogs.
The very best way to determine your dog’s ideal weight is to use the same method used by vets.
Step 1: Feel The Ribs
The first thing you should do is gently rub your hands along your dog’s ribs. How do they feel? Are they covered by body fat? If so, how much?
Step 2: Look From Above
Next, look down on your dog from above. Pay attention to how visible the bones are. Can you see your dog’s ribs, pelvis bones, or vertebrae? Can you see your dog’s waistline (where the torso gets thinner just after the ribs)?
Step 3: Look From The Side
Finally, look at your dog from a side angle. Here you’ll want to look for some of the same things you saw in the top-down view, such as whether or not you can see the ribs, pelvis, etc. You’ll also want to look out for an “abdominal tuck,” which simply means that your dog’s abdomen tucks upward near the rear legs.
Signs That Your Dog Is Underweight
If your dog’s bones are prominent—not just visible but visible from a distance—then your dog may be underweight. Pay attention to the ribs and pelvis bones specifically.
Also remember to take a closer look at your dog’s musculature and body fat. Look for an obvious loss of muscle mass and very little (if any) body fat over the ribs.
Finally, look at your dog’s waist and abdomen. Having a visible waist and abdominal tuck is a good thing...but if they have an exaggerated appearance, that could be another sign of malnourishment.
(Keep in mind the ideal waist or abdominal tuck can vary from one breed to the next, so be sure to keep that in mind when evaluating your dog’s weight.)
Signs That Your Dog Is Overweight
If your dog’s ribs are covered with noticeable body fat, that’s a pretty clear sign that your dog may be overweight. Dogs that are too heavy are often liable to be missing a visible waist or abdominal tuck.
At more severe levels of obesity, your dog may start to develop fatty deposits on the neck & limbs and show signs of obvious abdominal swelling. This is a clear sign that your dog needs to lose some weight.
Signs That Your Dog Is At An Ideal Weight
So what’s the ideal? What should you be shooting for?
Ideally you will be able to feel your dog’s ribs. They won’t be too prominent, but they won’t be too hidden either. They’ll have a little bit of fat covering them, but not too much.
There should be a visible waist and abdominal tuck.
Keeping your dog at a weight like this will help them live long, healthy lives. They’ll be more likely to be active and energetic and less likely to develop health complications.
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