How to Tell if your Pet is Overweight: A Vet’s Guide to Weight Loss

Recognising that a pet is carrying a few too many kilos is the first step toward better health. While weighing a pet is useful, the numbers on the scale can be misleading. Different breeds vary wildly in shape and size; a healthy Staffy might weigh 16kg at 40cm tall, whereas an Italian Greyhound of the same height would be obese at that weight.

Instead of relying solely on weight, veterinarians use a Body Condition Score (BCS). This is essentially a hands-on grade given out of 5 or 9. Assessing a pet using this method involves looking at four key areas.

1. Checking the ribs

Feel both sides of the ribcage. The ribs should be easily felt with only a slight covering of fat.

• Overweight: If the ribs are difficult to find or feel buried, the pet is likely overweight.
• Underweight: If the ribs feel sharp with almost no padding, they may be underweight.

The fluff factor: Thick fur can disguise ribs. It is important to get fingers right down to the skin to feel the true body shape. It also helps to move the skin around over the ribs if you aren't sure. Don't assume a pet is just 'fluffy' when they might actually be obese. On the flip side, fur coverage can make underweight pets appear healthy to the eye.

Note for cats: Cats tend to gain weight over their ribs later in obesity than dogs do. A cat might still be overweight even if their ribs are easily felt.

2. The waist (birds-eye view)

Look at the pet from directly above. There should be a distinct tapering in of the waist between the ribcage and the hips, creating an hourglass shape.

• Overweight: If the pet looks like a square block or a barrel from the shoulders to the hips with no definition, they are likely carrying too much weight.

3. The abdominal tuck (side view)

Look at the pet from the side. The tummy should tuck upwards behind the ribs, making the waist narrower than the chest.

• Overweight: If the abdomen hangs lower than the chest or there is no upward tuck, weight loss may be required.

Note for cats: The tummy is often where cats gain weight first. While a small 'fat pouch' is normal, anything more than a mild, loose gathering of skin suggests the cat is overweight.

4. The tail base

Feel the area where the tail joins the body. It should feel smooth with a thin layer of fat, and the bones underneath should be palpable.

• Overweight: Significant thickening here indicates excess fat. In obese animals, it becomes very difficult to feel the bones at all.