2007-06-14 08:47:53 · 11 answers · asked by Lauren. 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You should see the waist and should be able to feel a few ribs on a dog that's the perfect weight.
If the bones are visible and sticking out prominently, the dog is underweight.
If the dog does not have much of a waist, or is very barrel-shaped when viewed from above, the dog is overweight.
2007-06-14 08:55:25 · answer #1 · answered by K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dog and cat ideal weight is judged more on their shape than on their actual weight. There are ideal average weights for each breed, but they are only rough estimates.
Take a look at this:
http://www.hillspetslimmer.co.uk/overweight/diagnosis_bodycondition.html
You can use this diagram slider thingy on here to find out if your dog is overweight, underweight or just right - it's called Body Condition Scoring.
Generally speaking, your dog should have a fairly well defined waist, and you should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them. Hips bones should also not be sticking out. If you can't feel your dog's ribs easily or he hasn't got a waistline, he's overweight! If you can see you dog's ribs, he's underweight.
Use the diagram in the link, it answers your question exactly!
Chalice
2007-06-14 10:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well on the back of the dog food that I use there are little pictures that show u what each of the catagories will look like. But if the dog is overwight there will be no waist line and underweight you can see there ribs but if they r just right u can feel the ribs.
2007-06-14 09:01:53 · answer #3 · answered by Fluteluvur 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your dog looks chubby then it is probably overweight. If they are underweight they might look really skinny (you can see ribs really well). If you take your pet to the vet they will be able to tell you if it's overweight, underweight, or just right!
2007-06-14 08:50:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
His behavior. If he is overweight then he will always seem tired and lazy. If he is underweight then he will stay next to his feed bowl until you give him more food and right when you pour it in he will start eating but if that is not the case he could also be ill. If he is just right then he will be playful and happy!
hoped this helped:]]
2007-06-14 08:55:22 · answer #5 · answered by Yasmina B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check just underneith their front legs feel where their ribs are. You shouldnt have to press down to hard. If you can feel the ribs without pushing too hard then they arent over weight. If you can't feel them, this usually means they are over weight. If they are underweight id say its the opposite, the ribs might stick out more then usual.
2007-06-14 08:55:52 · answer #6 · answered by Butterfly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u can feel the ribs, or worse, see it. its underweight.
if u can barely feel the ribs. its overweight.
this pretty much applies to most animals, including ourselves !
also, check the type of breed of your dog by searching the web 4 the average size.
also , weigh ur dog regularly so u kno its average normal weight and check for fluctuations
2007-06-14 09:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by crazycatlady1990 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took me little daschund to the vet the other day and I asked him the same question regarding him and my vet told me that he does not go by weight, he goes by the appearance of the dog, the coat, and the temperament of the dog. I guess that is what I am going by too. By baby weighed 4.22 lbs whenI got him on May 7 and to date he weighs 7.98 lbs. He is getting really big. You be the judge of the doggie.
2007-06-14 08:56:12 · answer #8 · answered by Cindy F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can see the dogs ribs then he is too skinny.
If you can't see the ribs, but CAN FEEL them then he alright
If you can't see them or feel them then hes overweight
2007-06-14 09:25:26 · answer #9 · answered by Iryna P 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you see very defined ribs - underweight
no ribs and no waist line - overweight
if you can feel the ribs and you can see a waist line the dog is fine
2007-06-14 08:53:12 · answer #10 · answered by daisypolt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋