Pet Health Library

Obesity in Dogs

Updated: 10/10/23

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 59% of dogs are overweight or obese. In animals, fat starts to accumulate around internal organs before it’s visible from the outside. That means by the time you notice your dog has gained weight, his health may already be negatively affected.

Being overweight or obese doesn’t just affect how your dog looks, it also increases his risk for many health problems including:

If your dog does become overweight or obese, talk with your veterinarian about ways to get your pup back to a healthy weight. This could include a change in diet or starting an exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you find a solution that works best for you and your dog.

 

 

 

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a quantitative tool that is used to determine a dog’s body condition and fat accumulation. The scale ranges from 1 (very thin) to 9 (obese) with an ideal body score of 5. Changes in a pet’s weight can have many causes including dietary changes, feeding habits, physical activity, age, medication, as well as an underlying disease.

Make sure to discuss your pet’s ideal weight and nutritional needs with your veterinarian.

Body Condition Score (BCS) for Dogs Source: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. VERY THIN (20% under ideal weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily visible (coat may interfere with observation). Fat can not be seen or felt under the skin. Obvious loss of muscle mass. Extreme waist and abdominal tuck. THIN Ribs, spine and hip bones are easy to feel and visible. Fat cannot be seen or felt under the skin, especially around the ribs and lower back. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck. Some muscle loss. IDEAL Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily felt and may be visible (coat may interfere with visibility). A waist and abdominal tuck are seen when viewed from above and side. Fat can be felt around ribs, spine and hip bones. OVERWEIGHT Ribs, spine and hip bones are not visible and difficult to feel Excess fat is felt around ribs, spine and hip bones. Waist and abdominal tuck are minimal or absent. OBESITY (30% over ideal weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat Waist and abdomen distended when viewed from above and side Prominent fat deposits over lower spine, neck and chest.

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