Is my dog overweight...?-?

Question

I have a dotson/chiuhaha mix a girl a year ana a half old who is 12 pounds is this overweight or underweight...?

Answer 1

Can't tell just by knowing what it's a mix of. Does the dog have a noticeable waist? Can you feel the ribs? If not, it's overweight. Vets' offices have a chat on their walls with illustrations of dogs who are underweight, overweight and the correct weight. You can look at that and ask your vet next time you're in.

Answer 2

How to Recognize If Your Dog Is Overweight
A good method for evaluating the body condition of your dog includes observing and feeling his body. Researcher, Dottie La Flamme DVM, PhD, designed the following system that helps owners identify potential obesity in their pets. This nine-point system defines ideal condition as one in which the dog's ribs are easily felt and the waist and tuck-up (the belly area between ribcage and rear end) are discernible without being prominent. The dog in ideal condition has a thin layer of fat over the ribs.
1. Emaciated: Dogs with ribs, hips, and other bones protrude and are visible from a distance. Emaciated dogs show a loss of muscle as well as an absence of body fat.

2. Very thin: A step up from emaciated; bones are visible but not as prominent and muscle loss is slight.

3. Thin: Ribs and top of spine may be visible and the pelvic bones prominent. (Some breeds are naturally thin, so don't be fooled at the bony appearance of Salukis, Afghan Hounds and other sighthounds.) Waist and tuck-up are evident.

4. Underweight: Some fat on the ribs; visible waist and abdominal tuck-up.

5. Ideal: Ribs are easily felt and have a thin layer of fat. Waist and tuck-up are obvious but not exaggerated.

6. Overweight: Ribs have noticeable fat; waist and tuck-up are discernible but not prominent.

7. Heavy: Ribs are covered with a heavy layer of fat and noticeable fat deposits appear on the spine and
at the base of the tail. Waist is absent or barely discernible.

8. Obese: A heavy fat layer completely obscures ribs and heavy fat deposits appear over he spine and around the tail base. Waist and tuck-up disappear.

9. Morbid: Massive fat deposits in the chest area, along the spine, and around the tail base. No waist or tuck-up. Abdomen protrudes, and fat deposits accrue on legs and neck.

The tuck-up is the area on the dog's body behind the rib cage and in front of the hind legs when the dog is viewed from the side. The depth of the tuck-up depends on the breed of the dog; sighthounds tend to have a deep tuck-up, most breeds have a moderate tuck-up, and a few have little discernible tuck-up at all.

The dog's waist is the area behind the rib cage viewed from the top. If you need further assistance in determining your dog’s ideal weight and body condition check with your vet.

Answer 3

Look at her from a top view. Can you see a curved in figure? Can you see a tucked in tummy? Feel her ribs...can you feel them easily without pushing down too hard? If you answered yes to all these questions, she's not overweight. If she's overweight, then you can't feel her ribs, or you can barely feel her ribs. If she's overweight then you can't see a curved in figure or a tucked in tummy. If your still unsure, check with your veterinarian!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Sounds like the average weight for that type of dog. Your vet will tell you for sure at her next appt. I wouldnt worry, it sounds ok.

Answer 5

If you can not see her ribs and looks to have no waist from above she is over weight. Ideally you should be able to feel her ribs and see her waist from above.

Answer 6

12 pounds that is to skinny for the dog

Answer 7

I think she is at a fine weight,[don't worry she'll be okay]

Answer 8

take her to the vet they will know for sure.

Answer 9

We need a picture to help you please