Find out what your dog should weigh based on breed standards. Check if your dog is at a healthy weight.
Over 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Excess weight can reduce your dog's lifespan by up to 2 years and increase the risk of diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. Knowing your dog's ideal weight is the first step to keeping them healthy.
Ideal weight varies by breed. Use breed standards as a guide, but also assess body condition: you should feel ribs easily, see a waist from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side.
Signs of overweight: difficulty feeling ribs, no visible waist, sagging belly, reluctance to exercise, difficulty breathing. Over 50% of dogs are overweight, increasing health risks.
Obesity increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, respiratory issues, decreased lifespan (up to 2 years shorter), and surgical/anesthetic complications.
Reduce portions by 10-20%, limit treats to under 10% of daily calories, increase exercise gradually, use low-calorie vegetables as treats, and consider weight management food formulas.
BCS is a 1-9 scale (or 1-5) assessing fat coverage. Score 4-5 (out of 9) is ideal: ribs easily felt but not visible, clear waist, slight abdominal tuck.
Yes, neutering can reduce metabolism by 20-30%. Adjust food portions accordingly and monitor weight in the months following surgery.